Speaking with reporters after the briefing, Connolly was unmoved by the evidence in the intelligence report and suggested that Congress should move take action to prevent a war with Iran. Connolly serves on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Subcommittee on Middle East, North Africa and International Terrorism.
“My reaction to this briefing was it was sophomoric and utterly unconvincing,” said Connolly. “And I believe that more than ever the Congress needs to act to protect that constitutional provisions about war and peace.”
President Donald Trump insisted that killing Soleimani was justified because he was planning “imminent and sinister attacks” against Americans, but Connolly was unimpressed by the evidence Trump used to legitimize the “impulsive” strike.
“I believe there was no rationale that could pass a graduate school thesis test,” Connolly said. “I was… utterly unpersuaded about any evidence about the imminence of a threat that was new or compelling.”
“I believe this administration is, after the fact, trying to piece together a rationale for its action that was impulsive, reckless and put this country’s security at risk,” he later added.
Connolly also slammed the legal reasoning for the attack, saying the administration was wrongly using the authorization for use of military force (AUMF) passed by Congress in 2002 for actions against Iraq to justify the strike.
“The legal rationale absolutely fell in the category of sophomoric. The citation was article two of the constitution and the 2002 AUMF, which of course had nothing to do with Iran, it had to do with what happened after 9/11.”
The congressman dismissed suggestions that the 2002 AUMF could be used legally because it authorized military action against Iraq, where the strike against Soleimani took place.
“The fact that the administration is still citing a 17-year-old AUMF that applied to a totally different set of circumstances ought to be a cause of concern for all members of Congress.”
Connolly called Congress repealing the 2002 AUMF an “absolute necessary first step” to stop the administration from launching new attacks that may not be legally justified.
The congressman also warned that he believes the Iranian threat of retaliation remains, saying cyberattacks or attacks by Iranian proxy groups could occur regardless of whether the country launches any further military attacks against Americans.
“I wouldn’t rest easy that somehow the threat is contained and that’s the end of it,” Connolly said. “I don’t believe that at all, unfortunately.”
Newsweek reached out to the White House for comment but did not receive a response in time for publication.
