NJN Statement on Israel-Iran Escalation

June 13, 2025 — We are watching events in Iran and Israel with grave concern for our families, our friends, and for the millions of lives that are now at risk. This escalation threatens to ignite a catastrophic regional war.

President Trump must act now to firmly push for an immediate de-escalation and a resumption of diplomatic negotiations.

The United States and Iran are in the middle of sensitive nuclear negotiations, with a session scheduled for Sunday. Netanyahu chose this moment to launch strikes that could destroy the path to a diplomatic resolution. We cannot allow the Israeli government's strikes to be the death knell of diplomacy – or to drag the United States and the entire region into a war.

While Israel has a legitimate security interest in ensuring that Iran never develops a nuclear weapon, military strikes cannot eliminate that threat. At best, they delay progress. At worst, they increase the motivation of hardliners to pursue one.

Diplomatic agreements – not military action – have succeeded in constraining Iran’s nuclear program. Iran’s path to a nuclear weapon was blocked by the 2015 nuclear agreement. After President Trump's reckless withdrawal, Iranian hardliners were unrestrained. We saw a surge in Iranian nuclear activity as well as its ballistic missile program, violations of human rights, and support for terrorism.

We call on President Trump: Do not allow this military action to stand in the way of a deal.