Regulation of nuclear weapons is an international job, not the U.S.’ alone

Phil Barnes of San Pedro wrote to the L.A. Times on February 20, 2026, criticizing President Trump's potential military actions against Iran and arguing that nuclear weapons regulation should be an international responsibility rather than a unilateral US effort, referencing Trump's recent victory in Venezuela and the historical 1953 US overthrow of Iran's democratically elected president. In his letter, Barnes expressed concern that Trump's military ambitions are driven by a quest for power rather than legitimate national security interests, warning that US intervention could lead to devastating consequences including proxy wars with China and Russia supplying arms to Tehran, increased terrorism both domestically and internationally, and unnecessary casualties. Barnes drew parallels between the current situation and the 1953 US-backed coup that ousted Iran's Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh, suggesting that historical intervention continues to shape Iran's relationship with the United States. He questioned whether US soldiers, similar to those in Vietnam, would understand the necessity of engaging in another Middle Eastern conflict, while Iranian soldiers would likely defend their homeland fervently against what they might perceive as colonial aggression. The writer specifically referenced the movement of a US carrier near the Middle East as part of preparations for possible military action against Iran, highlighting the escalating tensions in the region. The letter concluded with a direct appeal to President Trump, urging him to 'find an offramp and pull our naval forces out of harm's way before a missile barrage takes a massive but unnecessary toll, potentially launching more than just regional conflict.' Barnes emphasized that addressing nuclear proliferation should be a collaborative international effort rather than a unilateral mission on behalf of Israel or other specific nations. This perspective reflects growing concerns about the potential consequences of US military intervention in the Middle East and the broader implications for global security and international relations.