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The Israeli government is actively pressuring the Trump administration to support major military strikes against Iran, the New York Times revealed Wednesday.

The war plans prepared by Israel call for U.S. military assistance to target Iranian nuclear sites. This comes as the regional conflict from Israel’s war on Gaza continues to escalate.

In Gaza, the Israeli government continues to cut off all humanitarian aid while devastatingly bombing civilians. In Yemen, the Trump administration has increased unauthorized strikes against the Iran-backed Houthis, killing dozens of civilians and targeting civilian infrastructure.

War is not the answer, and it is never inevitable.

Meanwhile, Iran has inched closer to the capability of building nuclear weapons because of President Trump’s disastrous 2018 decision to withdraw from the Iran nuclear agreement.

“The choice before us is now undeniable: a verifiable diplomatic agreement or a catastrophic war,” the National Iranian American Council (NIAC) warned.

War is not the answer, and it is never inevitable. Crucial opportunities for diplomacy remain, and there are reasons for hope. 

So far, President Trump has rejected the Israeli government’s war plan, saying a renewed nuclear agreement is his “first option.”

Last week, we were encouraged to see the start of direct negotiations between the U.S. and Iran. The next round of negotiations is set to take place this Saturday in Rome.

But as FCNL’s Odeliya Matter wrote last month, this opportunity for diplomacy is a “narrow path.” Our members of Congress must speak out for peace and assert their constitutional war powers to prevent another disastrous, endless war.

During this crucial time, join us on Tuesday, April 23 for Sacred Witness: Our Journey in the Middle East. Hear FCNL’s Hassan El-Tayyab reflect on his recent trip to the region and our work ahead for peace.

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Elsewhere

Protect Clean Energy for Earth Day

April 22 marks the 55th Earth Day — a reminder of how far we have come, and how much is still at stake, in our work to protect our planet. Yet, some members of Congress want to turn back the clock. They are working to repeal clean energy investments in the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (P.L. 117-169) — the strongest climate legislation in U.S. history.  

Take two minutes today to tell your members of Congress: Protect American Clean Energy Jobs and Investments.

Another Student Detained Over Gaza War Protests  

This week, ICE agents seized Mohsen Mahdawi, a Palestinian student at Columbia University. He is the latest international student who is imprisoned and facing deportation for protesting the Gaza war.

The Trump administration claims it is targeting student protesters over antisemitism. But it has provided no evidence that any of those detained engaged in any form of hate. Mahdawi has been a vocal opponent of antisemitism, saying “The fight for freedom of Palestine and the fight against antisemitism go hand-in-hand because injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

A day before being detained, Mahdawi said he wanted people to know that the protests were “centered in the energy of love … our love for humanity, our love for justice, our love for human rights.”

Pressure Mounting to Free Kilmar Abrego Garcia

After initially being denied, Sen. Chris Van Hollen (MD) visited Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the Maryland father wrongfully deported and imprisoned in El Salvador. We applaud Sen. Van Hollen for his efforts to bring our neighbor home and protect the rule of law. This is a positive first step and a hopeful sign that pressure and advocacy are working.

Buying Back the Bombs 

We are collaborating with ARTICLE22 on two bracelets promoting our shared beliefs that “War is NOT the Answer” and to “Love Thy Neighbor (No Exceptions).”

They are made from unexploded bombs dropped by the U.S. in Laos. Each purchase supports FCNL, the Mines Advisory Group, and the Lao artisans who are transforming these remnants of war into symbols of peace and resilience. Learn more and get yours today!

Bryan Bowman

Bryan Bowman

Social Media and Communications Strategist

Bryan Bowman is FCNL’s social media and communications strategist. In this role, he manages FCNL’s social media platforms, supports the production of FCNL’s digital content, and represents the communications team in coalition efforts.

Greg Williams Headshot

Greg Williams
(he/him)

Senior Director of Digital Communications

Greg Williams serves as the Senior Director of Digital Communications at FCNL. In that role, he strategizes and implements email and web communications to support the development and advocacy teams.