Bernie Sanders says Trump ‘lied’ on Iran war, compares it to Vietnam and Iraq

ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA: Sen. Bernie Sanders sharply criticised the Donald Trump administration over its military operation in Iran during his 'No Kings' speech on Saturday, March 28, denouncing the move as “unconstitutional.”

The operation, launched jointly with Israel on February 28, targeted Iran’s military and political leadership following the collapse of negotiations over its nuclear enrichment programme. Sanders’ remarks come as the conflict continues to expand, with the United States recently increasing its troop deployment in the region.

Bernie Sanders says Trump ‘lied’ on Iran war, compares it to Vietnam and Iraq

During his address, Sanders stated, "Now as the news literally of today reminds us, we have got to stop the out-of-control militarism of the Trump administration, whether it is here at home in cities like Minneapolis and St. Paul or abroad."

He then accused the administration of misleading the American public, drawing parallels with past conflicts. He stated, “the American people were lied to about the war in Vietnam… lied to about the war in Iraq… and we are being lied to today about the war in Iran,” calling for the war to “end immediately.”

Sanders further criticised President Donald Trump, "In the last election, Donald Trump pointed out correctly the huge amounts of money that had been wasted in wars that should have been spent rebuilding America."

Sanders continued, "He campaigned as a peace candidate and he promised no more forever wars. He lied. One month ago, Trump and his partner, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, started a war with Iran."

He described the war as unconstitutional, stating, "Trump did not seek or receive authorization from Congress. This war is a violation of international law. One sovereign nation cannot simply go about attacking another sovereign nation for any reason it chooses."

Sanders also cited the human cost of the conflict, noting that 13 American soldiers had been killed and hundreds wounded since the war began. In Iran, he said, nearly 2,000 civilians had been killed, many more injured, and 498 schools bombed by American and Israeli missiles.

'No Kings' protests sweep US cities amid Iran war

Prior to his participation in the rally, Sanders posted on, “We will not accept authoritarianism. We will not accept oligarchy. And we will not accept a president who undermines the Constitution every single day.”

Large-scale protests against the Trump administration unfolded across the US, marking the third iteration of the 'No Kings' rallies, which organizers say have previously drawn millions. Demonstrators protested policies including the Iran war, federal immigration enforcement, and the rising cost of living.

Organizers stated, “Trump wants to rule over us as a tyrant. But this is America, and power belongs to the people - not to wannabe kings or their billionaire cronies.” In response, a White House spokesperson dismissed the demonstrations as “Trump Derangement Therapy Sessions,” adding that only reporters paid to cover them cared.

Protests took place in major cities including New York City, Washington, DC, and Los Angeles. In DC, crowds marched through downtown areas, gathered at the Lincoln Memorial, and filled the National Mall.

Protesters displayed effigies of Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and other officials, calling for their ousting and arrest, while holding signs opposing the Iran war and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Meanwhile, the USS Tripoli, carrying 3,500 sailors and Marines, arrived in the Middle East as the Pentagon weighs its next steps.