Brooklyn For Peace Statement on Iran
Brooklyn For Peace is a non-profit organization that has advocated for peace and justice in the world since 1984. We urge Leader Hakeem Jeffries to support a War Powers resolution to end the illegal war in Iran and to use his power as minority leader to bring it to a vote as soon as possible, then to whip the entire Democratic caucus to vote to end the war. This war is a violation of Article 51 the United Nations Charter which only allows such military actions in self-defense after an armed attack or when an attack is imminent. At the time of this military action, Iran lacked any capability of attacking the United States either by nuclear or conventional weapons. As a matter of domestic law, the Trump administration did not seek congressional approval under the War Powers Act or Congress’ constitutional power to declare war. Even the disastrous Afghan and Iraq wars, though lacking a declaration of war, were authorized by Congress.
A statement by more than 100 experts on international law has declared that “the conduct of the war, and statements of U.S. officials, also raise serious concerns about violations of international humanitarian law, including potential war crimes.” Thousands of civilian sites, including schools, health facilities and homes, have been struck, killing hundreds of non-combatants. Particularly disturbing was the Tomahawk missile strike on the Minab Primary School, killing at least 175 people, many of them children.
Even worse, administration officials have declared their intention to commit additional war crimes. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated, “We will keep pushing, keep advancing, no quarter, no mercy for our enemies.” Not only is “no quarter” a war crime, it violates the United State War Crimes statute. Hegseth has dismissed such concerns as ‘stupid rules of engagement.” Imagine what Hegseth’s outcry would be if Iran captured an American pilot and used “no quarter” to justify executing him!
On March 13, Donald Trump suggested that he may order strikes on Iran “just for fun.” In an unhinged social media post that included coarse language and insults to Islam, he went further, threatening to bomb power plants and bridges. He has threatened to send Iran “back to the Stone Ages where they belong.” This kind of cruelty should shock all Americans. The United States may have a flawed record when it comes to following international law, but we have at least aspired to a much higher ideal than what the Trump administration is doing today.
If we are to end this war, Congress needs to act immediately to vote on and pass a War Powers Resolution. It needs to reject any additional Pentagon spending to continue the war. And it should consider an impeachment resolution to remove a President who continues to commit war crimes.
By Bruce Altschuler
Brooklyn For Peace Board of Directors
May 4, 2026
