PT Statement on U.S. Bombing of Iran

June 22, 2025

Statement from September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows on the U.S. Bombing of Iran

President Trump justified the June 21st bombing of Iran as "bold, decisive action against Iran — the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism." As relatives of those killed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the members of September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows have learned a great deal about trying to end terrorism with war. IT DOES NOT WORK. Today Afghanistan remains under the control of the Taliban, despite U.S. boots on the ground for two decades. Years of deadly military action in Iraq brought a branch of Al Qaeda to that nation where it had not previously existed. In the years following the invasion of Iraq, outrage over U.S. warfare led to the multiplication of branches of Al Qaeda throughout the Middle East and beyond.

We unequivocally condemn the U.S. decision to enter the war that Israel initiated with Iran, a war that was already dependent on a supply of U.S. weapons and fuel. The June 21st U.S. bombings violate international law and the laws of war and will further weaken the post-WWII United Nations charter order, threatening greater international chaos and conflict. At home, they further erode our Constitution, which empowers Congress, and not the President, to declare war.

Our thoughts and concerns lie with the innocent civilians of Iran, caught in an international conflict not of their making. They are and will continue to be the victims of the fighting, dying in great numbers and losing their homes and livelihoods. U.S. military aggression will profoundly hinder their striving for democracy, women’s rights, and human rights.