PAAIA statement on Israel’s strikes on Iran
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In response to the increasing number of innocent civilian deaths resulting from Israel’s attacks on Iran, PAAIA reaffirms its commitment to supporting earnest U.S. diplomacy, civilian protection, and the rights of Iranian Americans. The June 13 attacks and their aftermath have raised alarms about the safety of innocent civilians, regional stability, and the broader implications for US foreign and domestic policies.
As an organization dedicated to representing the Iranian American community before policymakers, PAAIA has actively engaged with both the Executive and Legislative branches since the onset of this crisis. Our message has been consistent: de-escalation and diplomacy must be prioritized to prevent further loss of life and avoid drawing the United States into direct military conflict.
We have asked Members of Congress to take the following steps:
- Urge continued US diplomatic engagement to end hostilities and prevent further civilian casualties.
- Distinguish between the Iranian government and the Iranian people in all official discourse and policymaking, to protect innocent lives and reflect the complexity of Iranian society.
- Implement internet freedom initiatives passed into law as part of the 2025 NDAA to maintain communication with loved ones during this emergency and to counter government censorship.
- Defend the civil liberties of Iranian Americans, ensuring that our community is not subject to profiling or discrimination due to heightened geopolitical tensions, as was experienced in the aftermath of 9/11.
These recommendations are already gaining traction in Congress. Since Friday, several Members have issued statements echoing these principles. Representative Scott Franklin emphasized that the United States “has no issue with the Iranian people” and expressed support for diplomacy and the Iranian American community. Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick, Zach Nunn, Brad Knott, Mike Haridopolos, and others have also made similar statements.
Bipartisan momentum is also building legislatively to prevent unauthorized US military involvement in Iran.
- Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) has reintroduced a bipartisan War Powers Resolution aimed at reaffirming Congress’s constitutional role in authorizing the use of military force and preventing unauthorized US engagement in future hostilities with Iran.
- In the House, Representatives Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Ro Khanna (D-CA) have introduced legislation to prohibit the Executive from launching military action against Iran without congressional authorization.
- Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Ed Markey (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Tina Smith (D-MN) co-sponsored Senator Bernie Sanders’ (I-VT) introduction of the No War Against Iran Act, which would block the use of federal funds for any military force in or against Iran without specific congressional approval.
PAAIA will continue to press for a peaceful resolution and advocate for the protection of civilians both in Iran and within our own community here at home. We encourage all Iranian Americans to make their voices heard.
Please use the action alert here to urge your Member of Congress to support de-escalation, prevent further loss of civilian life, and oppose U.S. military entanglement in this crisis. ber of Congress to support de-escalation, prevent further loss of civilian life, and oppose U.S. military entanglement in this crisis.
