NIAC Welcomes Inclusion of Provision Supporting Internet Freedom for Iranians

Washington, DC – Section 5124 of the National Defense Authorization Act, an annual “must-pass” defense policy bill, contains provisions intended to support internet freedom in Iran. The National Iranian American Council views these provisions favorably, and has long worked to ensure that U.S. policy supports – rather than actively hinders – the ability of the […]

Critical Committee Debate Examines Trump’s Lack of War Authorities on Iran

In the early morning hours of June 13, the House Armed Services Committee debated an amendment seeking to block an unauthorized war with Iran. It constituted one of the most meaningful Congressional debates on Iran and war powers to date, and will likely lead to a full House vote when the annual defense authorization bill hits the floor later this summer.

Congress ‘Not Aware’ of Authorization for Iran War

The statement from the legislators indicating that they are “not aware” of any legislative authorization for Trump to use force against Iran is helpful. As Trump ratchets up tension and openly threatens war with Iran, his Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has sought to tie Iran to al-Qaeda and has taken an extremely broad view of Executive war powers under the Constitution.

Some in House Press for War in the “Arabian Gulf”

Congressional hawks succeeded this week in passing an annual defense policy bill that included language calling for new terms for nuclear negotiations with Iran. The bill, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), also calls the U.S. provide Israel necessary armaments to strike Iran.