Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) slammed President Donald Trump over his remarks about potentially annihilating the Islamic Republic of Iran, calling the conflict illegal and unconstitutional and demanding congressional action.
Sanders Condemns Trump’s Iran Remarks
On Tuesday, Sanders aimed at Trump in a post on X, sharing a clip from the president’s speech at the United Nations General Assembly in which Trump weighed reaching a deal with Iran against destroying its Islamic Republic.
“No, Mr. President. We should not ‘annihilate’ the people of Iran. That is a war crime. That is barbarism,” he wrote.
He added, “And it is something the United States must never be associated with.”
Sanders added, “Let’s be clear: Trump’s war in Iran is illegal and unconstitutional. Congress must end it NOW.”
Trump Weighs Iran Deal vs. Destruction
In the clip, Trump said he had a “big decision to make” over whether to pursue a deal that would allow Iran to rebuild or “annihilate the Islamic Republic.”
“Will a deal be made with Iran that lets them rebuild and create a far greater country than it ever was before,” Trump said.
“Or do I annihilate the Islamic Republic and do it quickly, never giving them a chance to kill and destroy people and countries again?” he added.
Trump also said he could “drive them into hell with no chance of survival and no hope of future greatness or generations,” before saying, “I believe we’ll make a deal right after the election.”
Democrats Criticize Trump
Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) criticized Trump for portraying himself as a peacemaker while threatening to “annihilate” an entire country, calling the remarks “sickening.”
Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) said Trump threatened to “annihilate” Iran and warned that his “October surprise” must not involve a nuclear attack.
Markey also accused Trump of “inferring mass slaughter” and escalating an “arms race in the Middle East.”
Iran Blames US For Crisis
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei criticized the Trump administration, accusing U.S. officials of blaming Tehran for record-high fuel prices and the Strait of Hormuz crisis.
Last week, Trump warned that Iran could face economic collapse or have its leadership wiped out if it refused to reach a deal with Washington.
Trump also indicated he was open to meeting Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, while Iran’s military warned that any new U.S. attack would trigger sustained retaliation against U.S. bases and interests.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo Courtesy: Lev Radin on Shutterstock.com
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