WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Rand Paul, R-Ky., voiced strong reservations on Sunday regarding President Donald Trump’s recent threats to bomb Iran in response to ongoing protests within the country. Speaking on ABC’s “This Week,” Paul questioned the efficacy and legality of such military action, emphasizing constitutional limits and the potential for unintended consequences.
“I don’t think I have ever heard a president say they may take military action to protect protesters,” Paul remarked, referencing the complex dynamics at play in Iran, where widespread demonstrations have erupted amid an economic crisis and calls for regime change. “Certainly, with Soleimani, when the Trump administration hit him, there were massive protests against America. But they are shouting ‘death to the Ayatollah.'”
The senator underscored the delicate balance the U.S. must maintain, noting the difficulty in distinguishing peaceful protesters from government forces on the ground. “How do you drop a bomb in the middle of a crowd or a protest and protect the people there?” he asked. Paul warned that a military strike could inadvertently strengthen support for Iran’s ruling regime, rallying citizens around the Ayatollah rather than weakening his grip.
“If you bomb the government, do you then rally people to their flag who are upset with the Ayatollah, but then say, ‘Well, gosh, we can’t have a foreign government invading or bombing our country?’ It tends to have people rally to the cause,” Paul explained. He expressed support for the protesters’ demands for freedom and liberation but cautioned against U.S. involvement in every global freedom movement.
Paul also highlighted constitutional concerns, reminding that the president does not have unilateral authority to launch military strikes without congressional approval. “There is this sticking point of the Constitution that we won’t let presidents bomb countries just when they feel like it,” he said. “They’re supposed to ask the people, through the Congress, for permission.”
Iran has seen significant unrest in recent weeks, with thousands arrested amid protests against economic hardship and political repression. The U.S. government has been closely monitoring the situation, with President Trump asserting that American forces are “locked and loaded” to intervene if Iranian authorities escalate violence against demonstrators.
Senator Paul’s comments come amid growing debate over the proper U.S. response to the crisis. While some advocate for strong military action, others urge diplomatic engagement and support for democratic movements. The U.S. Department of State continues to assess the situation, emphasizing human rights concerns and the importance of peaceful resolution.
Legal experts point to the War Powers Resolution, which requires the president to seek congressional authorization for extended military engagements. The War Powers Act aims to prevent unchecked executive military action, a principle echoed by Paul.
The senator’s stance also aligns with broader calls from civil liberties organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union, which advocate for restraint and adherence to constitutional processes in foreign policy decisions.
As the situation in Iran remains volatile, the U.S. faces a complex challenge in balancing support for democratic aspirations with the risks of military intervention. Senator Paul’s warnings serve as a reminder of the constitutional and strategic considerations that must guide American actions on the world stage.
