6:25Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., appears on ABC News’ “This Week” on Jan. 11, 2026.ABC News
Republican Senator Rand Paul cautioned on Sunday about the unforeseen repercussions of a U.S. military action in Iran following President Donald Trump’s recent warning to bomb the nation if it harmed protesters opposing its government.
"My concern with the statement, 'Oh, we're going to bomb Iran,' is that it can sometimes provoke the opposite reaction," Paul told ABC News' "This Week" co-anchor Martha Raddatz.
"When a country is bombed, the populace tends to unite around their national identity. They perceive it as a foreign nation attacking us. Therefore, I don't believe it always produces the desired effect," Paul stated.
"Like the president, I want success. I hope that the movement for freedom endures," Paul expressed.
Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., appears on ABC News’ “This Week” on Jan. 11, 2026.ABC News
"Do you believe we owe it to those protesters to assist them?" Raddatz inquired.
"I don't think it is the responsibility of the American government to engage in every freedom struggle globally," Paul replied, contending that attacking Iran could drive Iranian citizens to support their government.
"I believe the protests are aimed at the Ayatollah, and rightly so, and the best approach is to encourage them, stating that we would, of course, recognize a government that champions freedom and permits fair elections, but bombing is not the solution," he articulated.
"Additionally," Paul noted, "there is the constitutional issue that we do not allow presidents to bomb nations merely on their whims. They must seek consent from Congress on behalf of the people."
Here are additional highlights from Paul's interview:
You would be hard-pressed to find anyone in Greenland who supports it, but it would also be difficult to find someone in Washington advocating for a military invasion, regardless of party affiliation. Therefore, I believe there will be sufficient opposition to prevent it. However, the issue is that they keep threatening military action. They continue to assert that we will, you know, reserve the right to invade Greenland.
This ties back to the War Powers Act. That is why this discussion is so crucial, as it’s not solely about Venezuela. It encompasses Venezuela, Greenland, Colombia, Cuba, and whether the citizens have a say in decisions regarding war.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com