Rand Paul warns bombing Iran could backfire, says it is not America’s job to intervene in every freedom movement

Senator Rand Paul on Sunday cautioned that threats to bomb Iran could do more harm than good, arguing such action might unite Iranians behind their government instead of helping protesters. The Kentucky Republican spoke after President Trump threatened military action if Iranian authorities harmed demonstrators.

Paul said the instinct to use force can sometimes have the opposite effect of what is intended. He noted that when a country is bombed, people tend to rally around their own flag, viewing the attack as a foreign intrusion. That dynamic, he warned, could strengthen support for the regime rather than weaken it.

He also made a broader point about the role of the U.S. government. Paul said it is not America’s job to be involved with every freedom movement around the world. He argued that instead of bombing, a better approach would be to encourage protesters and recognize a government that upholds freedom and elections.

On constitutional grounds, Paul emphasized that presidents cannot unilaterally bomb countries whenever they feel like it. He said the Constitution requires presidents to seek permission from Congress before striking another nation.

Coverage of the same remarks highlighted similar concerns. Reports noted that Paul questioned whether striking Iran would achieve the intended effect and stressed the difficulty of distinguishing protesters from government forces in a violent scenario.

Paul also warned that attacking Iran could unintentionally rally protesters behind the Ayatollah, echoing his point about patriotic solidarity in the face of foreign intervention. He suggested that people might oppose their own government but still reject outside attacks, diminishing the impact of U.S. military action.

Finally, observers underscored Paul’s reference to constitutional limits on presidential war powers, reflecting his view that Congress should weigh in before any military action.

Taken together, Paul’s comments present a challenge to calls for a forceful response to the protests in Iran. He urges restraint, diplomatic encouragement, and adherence to constitutional procedures rather than immediate military strikes, warning that rushed action could undermine the very goals it aims to achieve.