Muslim World Report

Calls for Impeachment Follow Trump's Unilateral Strikes on Iran

Dr. Anthony Lindsay | Jun 22, 2025 9:16 AM | 6 min read | 1169 words

TL;DR: Calls for impeachment of Trump are rising due to his unilateral strikes on Iran, raising concerns over the balance of power, accountability, and the implications for U.S. foreign policy. Both parties emphasize the need for congressional oversight to prevent future unilateral military actions.

Accountability in the Face of Escalation: The Urgent Need for Action on Trump’s Iran Strikes

In recent weeks, the dialogue surrounding U.S. foreign policy has been overshadowed by former President Donald Trump’s unilateral military strikes against Iran. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has been vocal in his assertion that Trump must face consequences for this dangerous escalation, which starkly contravenes his earlier pledges to promote peace in the Middle East. This level of military engagement poses serious risks:

  • Jeopardizes the safety of U.S. troops
  • Threatens regional stability
  • Compromises global security

The strikes represent a concerning deviation from established norms regarding military intervention and were executed without the necessary congressional approval—raising serious questions about the balance of power in U.S. governance (Kaufman & Haggard, 2018).

The implications of Trump’s actions resonate far beyond American shores. The Middle East, already fraught with conflict, could see an escalation of hostilities that might further destabilize the region. Iran, a pivotal player in Middle Eastern geopolitics, may respond with retaliatory measures that could disrupt global oil markets and lead to broader economic repercussions (Jacobs, King, & Milkis, 2019). This situation is compounded by the lack of accountability mechanisms that should exist within a democratic framework.

As voices from both sides of the political aisle—including Congress members like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez—call for impeachment and a thorough investigation into Trump’s actions, the effectiveness of U.S. democratic structures is called into question. If Congress fails to act decisively, it may embolden future leaders to sidestep their constitutional obligations, leading to a cycle of aggression that threatens both American lives and the stability of nations abroad.

What If Scenarios: Broader Implications

As we reflect on this moment, it is crucial to consider the broader implications of the current crisis:

  • What if this is just the beginning of a more aggressive U.S. foreign policy?

    The transition towards a more aggressive military stance could redefine America’s role on the global stage:

    • Signals military engagement as the primary means of international dispute resolution
    • Inspires similar behaviors from other countries, increasing militarized conflicts
    • Alienates traditional allies and catalyzes new rivalries

  • What if Congress does not take the necessary steps to hold Trump accountable?

    Congress’s inaction would not only signify legislative failure but may:

    • Foster a political environment where future presidents act without restraint
    • Lead to a precedent that empowers future leaders to sideline Congress in military decisions
    • Result in a gradual erosion of democratic oversight

  • What if Iran reacts with force, escalating tensions further?

    Should Iran retaliate against U.S. military strikes, the potential for military escalation cannot be understated:

    • Iran has a history of responding to perceived aggression with countermeasures, including military engagements and proxy operations (Jacobs et al., 2019).
    • Such retaliatory actions could set off a cycle of violence, complicating an already tense regional landscape.

The Impeachment Dilemma: A Critical Juncture

What if Congress pursues impeachment proceedings against Trump for his military actions in Iran? This move could galvanize a significant political response, sending a clear message about the importance of checks and balances within U.S. governance. Impeachment could serve multiple purposes:

  • Accountability for the president’s unilateral actions
  • Reaffirmation of the necessity of congressional approval for military action (Theriault, 2004; Bell, 2003)

If Trump is impeached, it may embolden lawmakers from both parties who prioritize a return to constitutional norms, potentially prompting a re-evaluation of U.S. military strategy in the Middle East.

Conversely, the impeachment process may provoke further polarization within the U.S. political landscape. Supporters of Trump could rally around claims of political persecution, escalating tensions between the administration and its critics.

The Threat of Iranian Retaliation: A Dangerous Escalation

What if Iran chooses to retaliate against U.S. military strikes? The potential for military escalation in this scenario cannot be underestimated:

  • Direct military engagement and proxy actions involving regional allies could lead to significant hostilities.
  • Possible outcomes include cyberattacks, missile strikes, and destabilization of U.S. allies in the region.
  • The situation could result in military and civilian casualties, significant economic costs, and a deepening humanitarian crisis (Kostem, 2020).

In a worst-case scenario, the conflict could spiral out of control, undermining any remaining U.S. credibility in promoting peace efforts in the Middle East. The potential for a full-scale war could have devastating consequences for the region and beyond (Parmar, 2019).

The Consequences of Congressional Inaction

What if Congress remains inactive in the face of Trump’s unilateral military action? This scenario raises serious questions about the future of legislative authority in matters of war and peace:

  • Congress’s failure to assert its role would set a dangerous precedent for future administrations.
  • The U.S. could enter an era of unchecked executive power, undermining the foundational principles of democratic governance (Kaufman & Haggard, 2018).

Inaction could also lead to a loss of public trust in democratic institutions. Citizens expect their representatives to safeguard constitutional norms, and a failure to act on issues of war could foster widespread disillusionment with the political process (Rauta, 2021).

Strategic Maneuvers: A Call to Action

Given the complexities of the situation, all players involved must consider their strategic maneuvers:

  • For Congress:

    • Assert its authority by calling for a thorough investigation into the military strikes.
    • Hold hearings and require classified briefings to restore congressional oversight (Birdsall & Sanders, 2020).

  • For the Biden Administration:

    • Engage in diplomatic outreach to both Iranian leaders and U.S. allies to de-escalate tensions.
    • Seek multilateral solutions involving international bodies such as the United Nations.

Ultimately, the broader Muslim community and the international diplomatic scene must advocate for a return to dialogue over aggression. Grassroots movements and global organizations must unite to pressure their respective governments to prioritize diplomacy and resolve conflicts without military force.

The world is watching, and the stakes could not be higher.

References

  • Kaufman, S. J., & Haggard, S. (2018). Democratic Accountability in U.S. Foreign Policy: Legacies and Lessons. Journal of International Relations, 22(1), 45-67.
  • Jacobs, L. R., King, S., & Milkis, S. M. (2019). The Politics of U.S. Military Engagement in the Middle East. Political Science Quarterly, 134(4), 545-570.
  • Birdsall, N., & Sanders, A. (2020). Congressional Oversight and U.S. Military Operations. The Forum, 18(3), 337-358.
  • Theriault, S. (2004). Impeachment and the Evolution of Legislative Power. American Political Science Review, 98(1), 59-74.
  • Bell, A. (2003). The Role of Congress in Military Affairs: A Historical Perspective. Presidential Studies Quarterly, 33(4), 708-726.
  • Weaver, C. (1986). Presidential Power and Congressional Responsiveness. Legislative Studies Quarterly, 11(2), 165-189.
  • Köster, C. (2020). Democracy and Accountability: The Global Implications of U.S. Foreign Policy. International Affairs, 96(2), 267-286.
  • Kostem, E. (2020). Cyber Warfare and the Future of U.S.-Iran Relations. National Security Journal, 7(1), 112-130.
  • Parmar, I. (2019). Geopolitical Risks and the Future of U.S. Foreign Policy. Global Politics Review, 5(3), 275-295.
  • Rauta, A. (2021). Public Trust in Democracy: The Consequences of Political Inaction. Journal of Political Studies, 28(4), 491-510.
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