WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today released the following statement in response to the escalation of armed conflict in the Middle East: 

“Like many around the world, I am alarmed by the latest escalation of armed conflict in the Middle East. Israel’s attack on Iran, and the subsequent counterattacks against Israel by the Iranian regime, risk destroying the nuclear negotiations led by the Trump Administration which offer the best hope for a lasting solution to Iran’s nuclear program. This escalation could ignite a regional war, which would be catastrophic for the people of the Middle East, as well as the United States.   

“We must continue to lead with diplomacy. We must avoid getting dragged into this conflict and work across nations to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. President Trump said he wanted to end wars in the Middle East. I urge him to stand up for the safety of American troops and American interests and use his influence as president to stop this from escalating further.” 

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