Bernie Sanders slams Trump's Iran presser, calls for prez to prioritize ‘our interests, not Netanyahu’s’

WASHINGTON, DC: Senator Bernie Sanders strongly criticized President Donald Trump after a recent press conference about the escalating conflict with Iran.

He said the administration was following the plans of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu too closely.

Sanders wrote a lengthy statement shared online, stating that the interests of the United States should come before those of any foreign leader when it comes to American foreign policy.

Bernie Sanders slams Donald Trump’s handling of Iran conflict

Sanders’ comments followed Trump’s public remarks defending the administration’s actions in the Middle East, including military strikes on Iranian targets.

“The US government must represent our interests, not Netanyahu’s,” Sanders wrote in a statement on X.

The senator said that the president's choices have worsened violence in the area and could lead to the US becoming involved in a larger war.

He also discussed the humanitarian impact of the ongoing fighting, including civilian deaths and people being forced to leave their homes in several countries.

“With the full military and political backing of Donald Trump and the United States, Netanyahu has expanded his war to Iran and Lebanon, with strikes that have reportedly hit elementary schools, healthcare facilities, and civilian infrastructure,” Bernie said. 

Sanders spoke about the bigger war involving Israel, Iran, and Lebanon. He said the war has grown beyond its original purpose and has caused significant damage to civilians and infrastructure.

Bernie Sanders says war with Iran has ‘no objective’

The senator said that while Israel has the right to defend itself against attacks, this principle does not justify every military decision taken by its leadership.

Bernie said, “Yes, Israel has always had a right to defend itself against terrorist attacks. Yes, the Iranian regime was corrupt, brutal and authoritarian. None of that justifies what is happening.”

He called the war unnecessary, “Meanwhile, the Trump administration has declared an “emergency” to try to bypass Congress and rush thousands more bombs to Israel, deepening a war with no clear objective and no defined end.”

“The American people want a government that represents our interests, not Netanyahu’s, a government that upholds international law rather than fueling wider and more dangerous wars.”

Sanders' criticism is part of a bigger argument in Washington about whether the US should get more involved in the growing conflict with Iran.

The administration has stated that its actions were necessary to protect American interests and allies in the region and to stop Iranian threats.

Officials say the strikes were intended to weaken Iran's military and prevent further attacks on US forces or partners.