WASHINGTON, DC – Today, after U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) met with President Trump and Congressional leaders in the White House Situation Room to discuss recent developments in Iran, Reed, the Ranking Member of the Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement:

“I cautioned the President and all in attendance that we have to avoid a serious escalation and failure to do so could lead to significant levels of violence throughout the region.

“Instead of increasing tensions, we need to increase diplomatic efforts and international engagement. 

“President Trump suggested that Iran’s use of force to take down this surveillance drone in international air space may have been unintentional.  At a minimum, it illustrates the risk of miscalculation in what has become a highly pressurized situation.  Regardless, shooting down a U.S. surveillance aircraft will not and cannot constrain or prevent our ability to conduct lawful operations in international air space.

“The Administration’s policies toward Iran, including withdrawing from the nuclear deal and subsequent reimposition of sanctions, have isolated the United States from our allies and partners and made it more difficult to collectively address the challenges posed by Iran.”