US Senator Bernie Sanders made his position crystal clear on Tuesday. He will “absolutely not” support the Trump administration’s request for $200 billion to fund the war on Iran. In fact, he plans to introduce a joint resolution in the coming weeks to stop the delivery of 20,000 bombs and bulldozers to Israel.
Speaking to CNN, the Vermont senator strongly criticised the war and said the American people do not want it.
“Whether you’re Republicans or Democrats, this is not a war that the American people want,” he declared.
Sanders accused the United States of starting the conflict together with Israel. He pointed out that the fighting has already caused massive suffering across the Middle East and pushed up gas prices, adding more pressure on ordinary families.
“Gas prices are rising. People are deeply concerned,” he said. “The United States of America started this war. It launched a unilateral attack along with Israel.”
Focus should be on Americans’ daily struggles
The senator reminded everyone that the war will eventually cost hundreds of billions of dollars. At the same time, many Americans are finding it hard to pay for housing, health care and food.
He also questioned America’s close alliance with Israel, citing the heavy toll in Gaza. “Ten percent of the people of Gaza are dead or wounded,” Sanders said. “I’m not quite sure those are the allies we need to be working with.”
Casualties and economic pain mount
Since the air strikes on Iran began on February 28, more than 1,340 people have been killed. Iran has hit back with drones and missiles targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries that host US bases. The conflict has already claimed the lives of at least 13 American service members and severely disrupted global oil supplies and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Bernie Sanders made it clear he will fight against more funding for this war and push hard to block further arms transfers to Israel. His strong stand highlights growing opposition inside the US Congress as the conflict drags on and its costs keep climbing.
