Senate Overwhelmingly Backs New Anti-Iran Resolution

Sen. Paul Casts Lone 'No' Vote, Fearing Bill Will Lead to War

Early Saturday morning the US Senate passed a non-binding resolution 90-1 expressing the sentiment that the US must “do everything possible” to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, and openly spurning a “containment” policy.

The resolution came out of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s demands for a “red line” by the US on military action, and while the resolution is not in and of itself an authorization for military action it continues to express the sentiment that an offensive war against Iran is a viable option.

The sole “no” vote was cast by Sen. Rand Paul (R – KY), who argued that the resolution would inevitably be used as an excuse for the use of military force against Iran. Sen. Paul did, however, go on to say he is opposed to containment as well.

On the surface the resolution is similar to countless others, urging diplomatic pressure and economic sanctions against Iran to force compliance, but the explicit rejection of “containment” suggests they are uncomfortable with allowing Iran to maintain a civilian nuclear program without a specific imprimatur from the UN Security Council to do so, and the resolution also demands Iran forever abandon its right to enrich uranium for civilian purposes.

 

Author: Jason Ditz

Jason Ditz is Senior Editor for Antiwar.com. He has 20 years of experience in foreign policy research and his work has appeared in The American Conservative, Responsible Statecraft, Forbes, Toronto Star, Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Providence Journal, Washington Times, and the Detroit Free Press.