Common Defense: Trump’s Attack on Iran Risks a New Forever War

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 21, 2025

Common Defense: Trump’s Attack on Iran Risks a New Forever War 

WASHINGTON, D.C. –  Common Defense, the largest grassroots organization of veterans in the country, forcefully condemns the U.S. military strike against Iran ordered by Donald Trump. This reckless escalation risks entrenching the U.S. in a new Forever War in the Middle East. 

“We’ve seen zero credible evidence that Iran was on the verge of developing a nuclear weapon,” said Naveed Shah, Political Director of Common Defense and a veteran of the Iraq War. “This is a war of choice, not necessity. And like every Forever War before it, it begins with lies, fear-mongering, and a total disregard for the troops put in harm’s way.”

Veterans who have lived through the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan know the cost of these open-ended conflicts. Trump is dragging the country into another quagmire; one that risks lives, drains resources, and destabilizes the Middle East, all while ignoring the will of the American people.

“With no Congressional approval, no credible threat, and no plan, Donald Trump has lit the match for a new Forever War in the Middle East,” said Jose Vasquez, Executive Director of Common Defense. “Veterans have seen this movie before—we know how it ends, and we won’t let it happen again.”

The decision to launch this strike was made without Congressional approval, without public debate, and without a clear strategy. This is exactly how Forever Wars start with secretive decisions, false pretenses, and no plan to end what’s been started.

Common Defense is calling on Congress to step in immediately and stop this march toward another Forever War. We urge the American people to demand accountability, transparency, and peace—before it’s too late.