In a candid appearance on Meet The Press, Republican Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky offered somber reflections on recent political violence and vehemently opposed escalating U.S. involvement in the burgeoning conflict between Israel and Iran. The senator’s remarks come amidst tragic news from Minnesota and reports of Iranian missile strikes on Tel Aviv.
A Personal Plea Against Political Violence
Senator Paul began the interview by expressing deep sorrow over the “horrific news out of Minnesota,” which saw a state lawmaker and her husband assassinated, and two others injured.
“Nothing brings us together more than mourning for somebody else who’s in political life, Republican or Democrats,” Paul stated, emphasizing a shared human experience in the face of such tragedy.
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Drawing on his own harrowing experiences, Paul recounted being “just feet away” from the 2017 shooting that gravely injured Congressman Steve Scalise. He also shared the personal toll of political violence, revealing, “I’ve been the victim of political violence. I had six ribs broken and part of my lung removed.” This personal history underscored his heartfelt condolences to the families affected in Minnesota.
A Firm Stance Against Middle East Intervention
The conversation quickly shifted to the volatile situation in the Middle East, with reports indicating ongoing Iranian missile strikes on Tel Aviv. Welker reminded Senator Paul of his prior warnings to President Trump against engaging in a conflict with Iran, where he famously stated, “A war with Iran would make Iraq look like a skirmish.”
Senator Paul was then pressed to respond to fellow Republican Senator Lindsey Graham’s assertive call to “go all in to help Israel finish the job” if Iran refuses negotiations. Paul did not mince words in his disagreement.
READ :Iran Vows “Severe Punishment” Against Israel After Launch Of “Operation Rising Lion”
“Well, his initial response was, ‘game on,’ and I don’t consider war to be a game,” Paul retorted, highlighting the grave human cost. He invoked the historical concept of “just war,” noting that many civilizations, including our own, have concluded that “preemptive or preventative war wasn’t just.”
Paul further elaborated on the potential unintended consequences of U.S. military intervention. He questioned what might happen within Iran, suggesting that external pressure could lead the populace to “coalesce around their government, even though their government is unpopular,” thereby strengthening nationalism and making a negotiated settlement less likely. He expressed concern that Iranians might view negotiations as “a ruse to put them at ease until the bombing happened.”
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“I see more war and more carnage,” Paul warned, steadfastly asserting, “And it’s not the U.S.’s job to be involved in this war.” He pointed to the costly and destabilizing U.S. involvements in Iraq and Afghanistan as cautionary tales.
The Kentucky senator concluded by expressing hope that President Trump’s “instincts are to not be involved in this war,” despite anticipated pressure from figures like Senator Graham. “I hope that his instincts will prevail,” Paul affirmed, advocating for a restrained foreign policy approach in a region already fraught with conflict. Sources
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