Reject the Request for 200 Billion Dollars to Fight Iran, Senator: This is Not a War That the American People Want

JAKARTA - US Senator Bernie Sanders on Tuesday said he would "absolutely not" support a proposed request for $200 billion (Rp3,382,800,000,000,000) for the war against Iran, promising to introduce a measure to block arms transfers to Israel.

"Absolutely reject (the 200 billion US dollars). In fact, we will submit a joint resolution to reject it in the next few weeks that will stop 20,000 bombs that will be sent to Israel and bulldozers," Sanders said when asked if he would support the request for funds from the Government of President Donald Trump, launching Anadolu (25/3).

The senior senator from Vermont also said the US "started this war" against Iran with Israel, criticizing the Trump administration for rising gas prices and increasing economic pressure on American citizens.

"Gasoline prices are going up. People are very worried," he said in an interview with CNN, accusing the Trump administration of failing to prioritize affordability.

"The United States started this war. They launched a unilateral attack mission with Israel... causing great suffering in the Middle East," he said.

The senator, who came from an independent track, also questioned the US relationship with Israel, mentioning the genocidal war in Gaza, and warned that a war against Iran would cost "hundreds of billions of dollars."

He said many Americans are struggling to meet basic needs such as housing, health care and food.

"Whether you're a Republican or a Democrat, this is not the war the American people want," he said.

"And whether we want to work with Israel, which has destroyed the people of Gaza - 10 percent of the population of Gaza is dead or injured - I'm not so sure that's the alliance and ally we should be working with," Sanders said.

It is known that the US and Israel have carried out air raids against Iran since February 28, killing more than 1,340 people to date.

Iran has retaliated with drone and missile attacks targeting Israel along with Jordan, Iraq and Gulf states hosting US military assets, causing casualties and infrastructure damage as well as disrupting global markets and flights.

At least 13 US military members have been killed since the war began, while the conflict has driven up energy prices and affected shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.