America Is Sliding into Another Endless War in Iran. We Can Still Change Course.

Statement urges diplomatic engagement through India and BRICS leadership

Rob Lucero, Democratic Candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives (CA-34), issued the following statement:

Today, March 23rd, is the anniversary of the day President Ronald Reagan shocked the world, by offering joint cooperation with the Soviet Union, to render nuclear weapons obsolete, through the joint development, with the Russians, of beam weapon defense systems.

Reagan: The US Does Not Start Wars

In his national address that evening, President Reagan stated his view of the American military:

“The defense policy of the United States is based on a simple premise: The United States does not start fights. We will never be an aggressor. We maintain our strength in order to deter and defend against aggression -- to preserve freedom and peace.”

We broke that commitment in the joint attack with Israel on the sovereign nation of Iran.

A responsible course correction is urgently needed from President Donald Trump regarding escalation in this terrible war.

Director of US National Counter Intelligence Center Says 'No'

Reports and critiques from military and intelligence experts—including those raised by former Director of the United States National Counterterrorism Center, Joe Kent—have cast doubt on the intelligence used to justify the ongoing assault on Iran.

Kent said:

"I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran. Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby."

When the factual basis for war is uncertain, the cost is borne not only by American service members, but by regional stability and global economic security. History shows that conflicts launched under flawed assumptions are the hardest to unwind—and the most damaging to U.S. credibility.

A Path Back to Peace

There is, however, a clear off-ramp, a path that can begin to restore trust in the United States. Trump has repeatedly emphasized his strong personal relationship with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, notably stating at the September 22, 2019 “Howdy Modi” event in Houston, “We are committed to strengthening our friendship.”

That relationship offers a diplomatic bridge.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Trump in 2019 

The Indian leader is currently the Chairman of the BRICS, the alliance of nations that represents half of the world’s population, nearly 40% of the world’s GDP, and about 25% of global trade. India maintains unique ties across geopolitical divides, including with Israel and key BRICS nations; India is well-positioned to facilitate dialogue.

BRICS Is Anti-Colonial

Contrary to the popular myth that the BRICS alliance is an anti-American, anti-Western alliance, the BRICS were formed to counter the British imperial style of manipulation of nations– including China, India, and Iran– that have been targets of British imperial intrigue for centuries now. 

By engaging Modi and opening channels with BRICS leadership—emphatically including Russia and China—Trump could pivot from escalation to negotiation.

Diplomacy Is Not Weakness

This would not signal weakness, but strategic recalibration: using multipolar diplomacy to de-escalate a conflict that risks becoming an imperial overreach.

The choice is not between strength and retreat—it is between prolonged instability and pragmatic leadership.

Turning to trusted partners like Modi provides a pathway to step back, restore credibility, and avoid a costly and unnecessary war without end.

Time to Change Direction

The suffering Americans are feeling at the gas pump and at the grocery stores is only the beginning, if we stay on the current course. Let us get the world back on a productive path towards peace, cooperation, respect for international law, and real economic development.

Press inquiries: Mark Fairchild, 610-659-8721 [email protected]

www.luceroforcongress.com