Reference News website reported on June 21 that The New York Times published an editorial titled "The US Must Not Rush Into War With Iran" on June 19. The following is a translated excerpt: A nuclear-armed Iran would make the world less safe. However, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has rashly taken action to try to destroy Iran's ability to build nuclear weapons without first securing the support of allies. The United States faces the risk of being drawn into another Middle East war, with American lives at stake. Despite worldwide speculation about what President Trump will do in the coming days, this question itself should not be asked. If Trump wishes for the U.S. to join Israel in a war against Iran, then the next step is clear: Congress must first authorize the use of force. Our laws clearly stipulate this. An unprovoked attack by the U.S. on Iran is not just a routine police operation or special military action. This is a war. Whether or not to go to war is not decided by Netanyahu or Trump. According to the Constitution, only Congress holds this power. In 1973, when lawmakers passed the War Powers Act, they restricted the President's authority to use force, specifying that it can only be used in response to a foreign armed attack on the U.S. This clearly does not apply now. Iran has not attacked the U.S. Congress has ample time to debate and make a final decision on this matter. In recent decades, U.S. Presidents have frequently invoked the Authorization for Use of Military Force passed in 2001 and 2002 to justify military operations against terrorist organizations in Somalia, Syria, and Yemen. However, this practice seems to expand executive power. Launching a war against Iran - a sovereign state rather than a terrorist organization - cannot be justified by laws created decades ago for a different type of conflict. Ultimately, bombing Iran at this point is entirely a war of choice for the U.S. Trump, who has long been skeptical of America's entanglements overseas, seems to know this well. For months, Trump has advocated diplomatic negotiations with Iran. Of course, he has the right to change his mind. But if Americans are to shed blood and sweat over this, Trump should explain his reasons to the public. Refusing to submit this to Congress is tantamount to admitting that the American people do not support another overseas war with unclear objectives and uncertain outcomes. The painful lessons of regime-change wars in recent decades, especially in the Middle East, remain vivid. Decisions about when and whether to go to war have always been difficult and extremely important. That's why the Constitution did not give this power to any one person, not even the Commander-in-Chief. The American people and their elected representatives must have a voice. Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7518343000201462324/ Disclaimer: This article solely represents the author's views. Please express your attitude by clicking the "Agree/Disagree" buttons below.