Brian Varela (NJ-07) Statement on Iran

Morris County, NJ (March 1, 2026) – Brian Varela, Democratic candidate for New Jersey's 7th Congressional District, today issued the following statement regarding U.S. military strikes against Iran:

"24 hours after these strikes began, here’s what we know: Donald Trump ran for president promising to be a peacemaker. He told working families he would end conflicts, not start them. Now he is yet again launching wars of choice against a sovereign nation, without congressional approval, and without explaining to the American people why this conflict serves their interests.

"Starting a war of choice and killing a foreign leader without congressional approval, a clear rationale, or a defined objective risks destabilizing the Middle East and the global economy, dragging the United States into another forever war, and putting thousands of troops in harm's way.

"My thoughts are with our servicemen and women today. I pray for their safety and their swift return home. No matter what we think of the decisions made by those in power, our troops deserve our full support and protection.

"Let me be clear about the Iranian regime: it is a brutal, authoritarian government that has terrorized its own people, funded proxy violence across the Middle East, and destabilized the region for decades. No one should mistake opposition to this war of choice for sympathy toward Tehran.

"The Constitution of the United States is not ambiguous on this point. Article I, Section 8 states that it is Congress, and Congress alone, that holds the power to declare war. And yet President Trump himself has described these strikes as an act of war. If he believes that is what this is, then he is operating in direct violation of the document he swore an oath to uphold.

"This is exactly why we need to reestablish Congress's sole authority to declare war. That power was not placed in the hands of one person for a reason. The founders understood what it meant to send young Americans to die, and they did not trust that decision to any single person.

"The American people deserve the truth. In June, Donald Trump told us that Iran's nuclear program had been 'obliterated.' Now his own administration is telling us the program still exists and justifying military strikes on that basis. Either he was lying to us then, or he is lying to us now.

"Congress must act immediately. I am calling on every member of the House and Senate to invoke the War Powers Act and force a vote on this war. The men and women of this country did not elect a king. They elected a Congress to represent them, and that Congress has an obligation to stand up to a wannabe authoritarian. Republicans shouldn’t hide any longer when it comes to the safety of our troops and global stability."

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About Brian Varela

Brian Varela is a 37-year-old first-generation American, small business owner, and father running for Congress in NJ-07. Raised in New Jersey by immigrant parents, Brian put himself through college, helped raise his younger brother, and built one of the fastest-growing companies in America during the COVID crisis. Recognized by Inc. Magazine and NJ Business Magazine for leadership and innovation, Brian brings a real-world perspective to one of the most competitive House races in the nation. Visit www.varelaforcongress.com for more information and follow us on Threads, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and X.