April 7, 2026
NOTE: Even if you choose not to read the deep dive, please scroll to the end of this message for updates on special events taking place this weekend.
War with Iran – How Does This END?
Early on Saturday morning, February 28, 2026, President Donald Trump launched an air attack on Iran. There was no Congressional Declaration of War, no explanation to the American people, and apparently no plan for how this military action would proceed. Thousands of civilians have been killed or injured, hundreds of U S servicemen injured, and more than a dozen servicemembers killed. There is no end in sight, and there is evidence that “boots on the ground” is not off the table. https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2026/03/28/trump-iran-ground-troops-marines/
On Wednesday evening, the president told the American people that Iran was “beaten and completely decimated,” and that “[t]hey have no anti-aircraft equipment.” He went on to claim that their radar “is 100% annihilated.” These claims were false. On Friday, the Iranians shot down a U. S. F-15E fighter jet over Iran. https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/trump-said-iran-was-decimated-american-f-15e-fighter-jet-was-shot-rcn
The pilot was quickly rescued, but a second crew member remained missing for over 24 hours before being rescued late Saturday. Another aircraft was hit and the pilot managed to eject safely into Kuwait. Rescue helicopters also took fire, with injuries to several crew members. On Easter morning, President Trump posted a profanity filled ultimatum on Truth Social, demanding Iran open the Strait of Hormuz by Tuesday or “you’ll be living in Hell – JUST WATCH.” Several hours later he posted “Tuesday, 8 P.M. Eastern Time.” During his Monday afternoon press conference, he refused to answer questions about next steps, stating, “Watch and See.” https://www.cnn.com/2026/04/05/world/live-news/iran-war-us-trump-oil
There are strong indications that this war is escalating, not winding down.
WHAT TO DO
Please use https://5calls.org/issue/stop-iran-war/ or the bullet points below to contact your elected representatives. They need to hear from you and from more of us. Share this information with your family and friends and respond to ICCV if you would like to become more involved in saving our country during a time of peril.
- Senator Thom Tillis: (202) 224-6342
- Senator Ted Budd: (202) 224-3154
- Representative Pat Harrigan: (202) 225-2576
- Representative Virginia Foxx: (202) 225-2071
Even though Congress is currently on recess, call to demand that:
- Congress immediately return to Washington and insist on full briefings from the White House and the Pentagon. What are the plans going forward? We have destabilized an entire region of the world; things will not just go back to the way they were.
- Americans do not want another “forever war.” Congress must withhold additional funding for the War in Iran until there is a plan to end U. S. military actions in the region and achieve some measure of stability.
- Congressional hearings be held to investigate violations of national and international law occurring with this war. There are numerous actions cited by legal experts and international agencies that are clear violations. Trump is threatening to bomb civilian infrastructure, which is commonly regarded as a war crime.
WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT
The incompetence demonstrated by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is staggering. On Thursday, he fired Army Chief of Staff Randy George, along with two other Army officers, and declining to promote others. While we are in the middle of a war of choice, the Secretary of Defense chose to oust the most experienced of our military leaders. According to the Center for American Progress, “Project 2025 would politicize the military chain of command.” At the same time, the president is threatening to bomb civilian infrastructure, creating a dilemma for members of the military. One wonders whether some of the military leaders who have been forced out refused to carry out illegal orders.
https://www.americanprogress.org/article/project-2025-will-undermine-americas-national-security/
In a statement on March 15, Secretary Hegseth declared “no quarter, no mercy for our enemies.” Legal experts agree this is a clear violation of international humanitarian law. https://www.axios.com/2026/03/15/trump-hegseth-iran-war-no-quarter
Other experts expressed concern over the rhetoric espoused by the U. S., Israel, and Iran. They cite the U. S. and Israeli attacks on Iran as a violation of the U. N. Charter. They too addressed the statement regarding “no quarter,” as well as the bombing of the girls’ school in the initial strikes. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy91x2n29nlo
Additionally, the President has asked for 1.5 Trillion dollars for defense spending in the FY 2027 proposed budget. This is almost a 50% increase over FY 2026, while cutting domestic programs by 10% or more. https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trumps-budget-proposes-10-cut-discretionary-spending-increased-defense-spending-2026-04-03/
Rising fuel costs are not only hurting Americans at the gas station but may also result in loss of crops and farms, impacting the food chain. North Carolina corn farmers are struggling to pay for the diesel fuel and nitrogen fertilizer they need. Farmers in other states are undoubtedly in similar situations. Increasing costs will be seen at the gas station, the supermarket, and in all aspects of American lives, even as funding for assistance programs is cut. https://carolinapublicpress.org/75162/diesel-and-fertilizer-cost-spikes-put-squeeze-on-nc-corn-farmers/
WEEKEND EVENTS THAT MAY INTEREST YOU:
Catawba Valley TransPride 2026, Saturday, April 11 from 11 AM – 3 PM at Unifour Church in Newton. ICCV will have a vendor booth at this event. Come support our trans friends!
https://www.catawbavalleypride.org/events
ICCV Spring Into Action, Sunday, April 12 from 4:30 – 7:00 PM at AnandaRasa (Catawba Farms) in Newton. This event will be a fun social event, with food trucks, a cash bar, games, and music. It’s the perfect way to connect with other like-minded people. Prior to the social, Rand Brandes will lead a book discussion about Dr. Timothy Snyder’s book, “On Tyranny.”
For more information about both Sunday events, visit the ICCV webpage:
Thank you for everything you do to protect our democracy!
ICCV Legislative Committee
“With Liberty and Justice for ALL”