WASHINGTON, D.C. (National Presse) – In a significant move, the U.S. Senate introduced a joint resolution on July 31, 2024, authorizing the use of military force against the Islamic Republic of Iran. The resolution, introduced by Senator Lindsey Graham, cites Iran’s continued nuclear advancements and threats to U.S. national security as the primary reasons for this authorization.
The joint resolution, S.J. RES. 106, explicitly states that the President of the United States is authorized to use necessary and appropriate force if Iran is found to possess or is in the process of developing a nuclear weapon. The resolution points to a history of Iran’s nuclear activities and non-compliance with international regulations, detailing instances from the 1979 Iranian Revolution to recent intelligence assessments in 2024.
You can view the entire resolution here.
Key points from the resolution include:
- Enriched Uranium and Nuclear Weapon Potential: Since 2006, Iran has made significant progress in enriching uranium, with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reporting in 2023 that Iran could produce a nuclear bomb in as little as seven days.
- Ballistic Missile Capabilities: Iran has tested medium-range ballistic missiles, enhancing its capability to threaten U.S. interests in the Middle East.
- International Sanctions and Non-compliance: Despite numerous United Nations Security Council resolutions and international sanctions, Iran has continued its nuclear program with little transparency.
Senator Graham emphasized the urgency, stating, “Iran’s nuclear ambitions pose an immediate threat to the security of the United States and our allies. This resolution is a necessary step to ensure that we can respond effectively to this growing danger.”
The resolution now moves to the Committee on Foreign Relations for further deliberation.
