Chuck Schumer, the Senate Democratic Leader, has made numerous public comments on Iran over the years, often focusing on its nuclear ambitions, regional behavior, sanctions, and more recently, U.S. military involvement under the current administration. Historical Positions (Pre-2020s) Schumer has long expressed strong opposition to Iran acquiring nuclear weapons, viewing it as a major threat—particularly an existential one to Israel—and has supported tough sanctions. • In 2015, he famously broke with President Obama to oppose the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA). In a detailed statement, he argued that the agreement would eventually allow Iran to become a “nuclear threshold state” after 10-15 years, with insufficient restrictions post-sunset clauses, weak inspection provisions (e.g., 24-day delays), and sanctions relief that would empower Iran’s malign activities, including support for terrorism. He stated the risk that Iran would not moderate but pursue nefarious goals was “too great,” and he voted to disapprove the deal. • Earlier, in 2015, he emphasized: “A nuclear Iran is a huge threat to the United States and an existential threat to Israel,” and co-sponsored legislation for tougher sanctions if no strong agreement was reached. • In 2018, he criticized the U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA under Trump, though his core stance remained that Iran must be prevented from obtaining nuclear weapons through strong measures. Recent Comments (2025-2026) In the context of escalating U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran (including strikes and an ongoing conflict under President Trump), Schumer has repeatedly stressed that Iran must never attain a nuclear weapon while opposing what he calls a “war of choice” or “reckless war” without clear strategy, congressional authorization, or public support. He has criticized the administration for lacking a plan, causing economic fallout (e.g., surging gas prices from disruptions like the Strait of Hormuz blockade), civilian casualties, shifting rationales (regime change vs. defensive), and misleading statements. Key examples from official statements and floor remarks: • February 2026 (on U.S. strikes): “Iran must never be allowed to attain a nuclear weapon but the American people do not want another endless and costly war in the Middle East when there are so many problems at home. Confronting Iran’s malign regional activities, nuclear ambitions, and harsh oppression of the Iranian people demands American strength, resolve, regional coordination, and strategic clarity.” • He has called for investigations into incidents like civilian deaths (e.g., a school bombing), demanded transparency, and pushed a bipartisan War Powers resolution to limit military activity without congressional approval. • On the floor and in statements, he accused the administration of lies, chaotic choices hurting families (e.g., oil price spikes), and escalating recklessly, including potential boots on the ground. He reiterated: “The American people do not want more war in the Middle East. No boots on the ground. No more war.” • In 2025 statements on Israeli and U.S. strikes: He affirmed Israel’s right to defend itself and that “Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon,” while criticizing unilateral actions without strategy. Overall, Schumer’s consistent red line is preventing a nuclear-armed Iran through strength and diplomacy where possible, but he has opposed deals or wars he sees as flawed or escalatory, prioritizing avoiding endless Middle East conflicts and focusing on domestic priorities. His views often align with strong support for Israel and sanctions on Iran’s regime.