To the editor:

Since the United States withdrew from its international nuclear arms treaty with Iran despite Iran’s compliance with the terms of that treaty and despite protest from all international co-signers, hostilities between Iran and the U.S. have been escalating. As part of a strategy of maximum pressure, the U.S. has, in addition, imposed harsh sanctions on Iran, and military confrontations have already taken place.

In contrast to these hostilities, diplomacy has asserted itself in three important ways. First, bipartisan efforts in both the House and the Senate testify that any decision to go to war must be made by Congress, as stated in the Constitution (Article 1, Section 8).

Second, two veterans groups — the liberal Vote Vets and the conservative Concerned Veterans for America (groups usually opposed politically) — agree that only Congress can declare war, and both groups support Barbara Lee’s bill to repeal AUMF (Authorization to Use Military Force).

Third, at the recent G-7 summit, President Emmanuel Macron of France invited a representative from Iran into the international discussion in an attempt by the members of the European Union to hold to the original Nuclear Arms Treaty with Iran and to underscore the vital need for diplomacy in this volatile historical moment.

The window of opportunity for peaceful dialogue is closing. Are we able to hope that these voices from Congress, from our veterans and from our international allies will be powerful enough to turn the United States away from a path to war? Let us urge all of our legislators to act quickly to support these efforts toward peace.

Marilyn Pilkey,

Lawrence