US Rep. Carson sees Trump’s Iran threats as reckless, irresponsible

Video with this story is from News 8 at 4 p.m. INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — U.S. Rep. André Carson on Tuesday called President Donald Trump’s threats toward Iran reckless and irresponsible. His comments came before Trump on Tuesday night announced he’s pulling back on his threats to attack Iranian bridges, power plants and other civilian targets, subject to Iran agreeing to a two-week ceasefire and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The Democrat serving Indiana says he does not support Trump’s proposal to strike civilian targets. He says the Strait of Hormuz crisis, which is causing higher oil and gasoline prices worldwide, will have long-term repercussions even if the Navy can reopen the tanker waterway by force. He says Trump is still breaking his promise to be the president of peace. News 8 Garrett Bergquist asked, “If we do strike power plants, bridges, et cetera, civilian infrastructure, or for that matter, dual-use infrastructure, is that a war crime?” Carson responded, “I would think, at this point, he has gone beyond the pale. He has not shown that there is an imminent threat to the American people at home or abroad. He has not shown that there is an imminent threat to our national security facilities. I think he was drawn into this war by (Israel) Prime Minister (Benjamin) Netanyahu. Now is the time to pivot and he has refused to do so.” On Tuesday afternoon, Carson said in a tweet, “A genocidal threat from a U.S. president is beyond dangerous. Escalating strikes while threatening to wipe out an entire civilization puts innocent Iranian civilians and Americans at risk. These are intentional war crimes. We need to invoke the 25th Amendment now to stop these violations.” Also, Carson said, he has not yet been briefed on the rescue of the crew of an U.S. Air Force F-15E “Strike Eagle” fighter jet that was shot down Friday in Iran.