Readers react to U.S. attack on Iran

In July 2015, former President Barack Obama signed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which required Iran to curb its nuclear program, drastically reduce centrifuges, and accept intensive inspections in exchange for sanctions relief. It wasn’t perfect, but it was working in holding off Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

In 2018, President Donald Trump tore it up for no apparent reason except it was negotiated by his predecessor. He tried unsuccessfully to reach a new agreement which prompted the current excuse to attack Iran [“Supreme leader of Iran killed in coordinated attack,” News, March 1]. We are at war in the Middle East — again — directly as a result of that single reckless action. It is basic cause and effect.

Two things can be true at the same time. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was a vicious tyrant to his people and an enemy of the United States. But Trump had no authority to engage our country in a war — that responsibility resides with Congress. And we are at war. Trump admitted that “we may have casualties — that often happens in war.” Our troops are at risk because of Trump’s rash acts beginning in 2018.

— Rosanne Manfredi, Ridge

We are descending into a world where might makes right, where the United States declares it has the right to inflict violence, topple leaders, and impose its might wherever it pleases. I don’t want to live in a world like that. I wish for a return to peace and diplomacy, and I do not wish for American sons and daughters to die on the coasts of Iran and brought home in coffins, just to further the geopolitical interests of the U.S. government.

I have no ill will toward the Iranian people. I do not wish to fight them. I want no war!

— Matthew Adarichev, Westbury

I thought your editorial “Explain our objectives in Iran” Opinion, March 2] was spot on. Consider these thoughts, too: Donald Trump changed his mind about attacking Iran for two major reasons, psychological projection and deflection; however, it does not work unless you drink his Kool-Aid.

He constantly accuses or forecasts what others would do, which is simply projecting what he is doing or would do himself. In 2011 and 2012, he said Barack Obama would attack Iran to boost his own poll numbers and win reelection. So now that Trump’s own numbers are tanking, we are at war with Iran.

Deflection is the second dodge: the Epstein files, tariffs, legal challenges, cost of living and more.

Consider what Alexander Hamilton warned in Federalist No. 6 in 1787 under the pseudonym Publius and cited by then-Rep. Adam Schiff during the 2020 Trump impeachment trial: that leaders have historically started conflicts to serve their own ambition and interests rather than the public good.

— J. Edward Meyer, Westbury

In the immediate aftermath of the killing of Ali Khamenei, all sensitive sites and infrastructure are being protected. Nevertheless, as the 1993 and 2001 World Trade Center bombings showed, these evildoers are patient. Our brave first responders have to be right 100% of the time, but those on a mission only need to succeed once.

Our Department of Homeland Security should be laser-focused on the human and cyber intelligence that will thwart attacks on our homeland. From what we see, DHS is diverting resources away from efforts to protect our homeland to arresting immigrants at work, at asylum hearings, and the like.

Rep. Andrew Garbarino, chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, should hold hearings on how DHS is protecting us and our infrastructure from terrorist attacks that may come months or years from now, when we might let our guard down.

— Maria Luisa Candelore, Sayville

In the past, when American troops died or were maimed in a war, their families could take some solace in knowing that the sacrifice of their loved ones was the result of the collective will and conscience of the American people through a congressional declaration of war as envisioned by our Constitution.

Donald Trump’s declaration that more of our troops are likely to die because this is war merely underscores his callous and cavalier disregard for the well-being of our servicemen and women who, he alone, has placed in harm’s way.

— Richard Haley, Smithtown

Just when one thought Donald Trump couldn’t get any worse, in concert with the state of Israel, he authorizes the murder of the leader of the sovereign state of Iran during ongoing “negotiations.”

This follows what some say was the illegal kidnapping of the leader of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, and his wife, Cilia Flores, on what could be bogus charges.

Most Americans polled oppose the misadventures in Iran, which seem to benefit primarily Israel, and most Americans want this madness to stop.

— Robert Mays, Freeport

Although the killing of Ali Khamenei and many military leaders hopefully will let Iran have a new regime, I don’t know how this can happen. The people have no weapons, and the Iranian regime likely could slaughter those who try. They already have killed several thousand innocent civilians for demonstrating against the regime.

— Wayne Mortak, West Babylon

Trump, self-proclaimed “peace president,” received a “peace prize” from FIFA, the global soccer association, and has possession of the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to María Corina Machado, the Venezuelan opposition leader. He has unconstitutionally launched many attacks without addressing the American public or Congress’ approval.

He says he bombed Iran to deter their nuclear arsenal. Yet eight months ago, Trump said we had “totally obliterated” Iran’s nuclear capabilities. This is a disgrace to our democracy.

When Trump attacked fishing boats off Venezuela’s coast, it was to allegedly stop drugs reaching America. So, why hasn’t he sent troops to Mexico to combat the retaliation of a drug cartel after its leader was killed?

Let’s hope that Trump, the “peace president,” has not just started another “forever war.”

— Robert LaRosa Sr., Whitestone, Queens

The United States has never succeeded in Middle Eastern democratic nation building. When we initiate regime change, the outcomes have always resulted in another regime seizing power and oppressing its people. There must be a long-term strategy to deal with Islamic fundamentalism.

Several months ago, our president declared that we “totally obliterated” Iran’s nuclear war capability and it would take years to rebuild.

Now, our leader declares that Iran possessed an “imminent” nuclear threat. Did we underestimate Iran’s capabilities to rebuild or did we fail to achieve total destruction? We would have done more damage to their economy if we obliterated their oil fields, the main source of income that supports Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

— Anthony Brancato, East Meadow

I think our country would be much better off if Congress actually took the Constitution seriously. Presidents should not get to decide who we go to war with. It is one thing to allow an immediate response to an imminent threat such as incoming missiles. But a war of choice, like the attack on Iran, is a completely different matter.

Washington often discusses eliminating fraud, waste, and abuse, but we should start with Congress itself. If our representatives cannot be bothered to fulfill their duty to debate and vote on a war resolution, it makes me wonder why we are paying their salaries at all.

— Eric Robinson, Commack

Watching Donald Trump speak Monday about the bombing, I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. We already had lost several troops, and he was bragging about his ballroom. How insensitive and uncaring could he get? Those poor people who lost a family member don’t give a damn about his unnecessary ballroom!

— Kathleen Teleglow, Holbrook