For several years, we have been warned against the consequences of an encounter, or more dangerously a war, with Iran. We are asking you to contact your congressional representative urging him/her to support H. Con. Res. 94, which calls on President Obama to include the negotiation of an “Incidents-at-Sea Agreement” with Iran as part of his talks with Tehran. The bill’s co-sponsors are Representative John Conyers (D-MI) and Representative Geoff Davis (R-KY).

“It is irresponsible to continually place our troops at risk of an accidental conflict because of our refusal to talk to Tehran,” said Rep. Conyers. Last January, Iranian Revolutionary Guard speedboats engaged in provocative actions against three U.S. Naval vessels operating in the Strait of Hormuz. One of the U.S. Navy ships nearly fired at an Iranian boat. In the absence of formal diplomatic relations between the United States and Iran, current procedures for avoiding an accidental naval confrontation are inadequate.

A repeat of anything similar to last year’s incident with tensions high in U.S.-Iranian relations would be catastrophic. An Incident at Sea Agreement between the U.S. and Iran will help to build confidence, reduce tension and avoid war. Numerous military officials have spoken out about the need for an Incidents-at-Sea Agreement with Iran, including the Commander of the US Naval Forces, Central Command. More support is needed from Congress to get the simple majority needed to pass this Resolution.

Please contact your representative in the U.S. House and ask him/her to sign on as a co-sponsor of H. Con. Res. 94. This is a significant precautionary step in order to avoid a larger conflict.

Source of Information: Physicians for Social Responsibility.

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