Dear [Senator Barbara Mikulski] or [Senator Ben Cardin],

I am concerned that provocative statements and actions by the Bush administration are undermining efforts to resolve tensions with Iran and increasing the likelihood of war. The administration's recent announcement of sanctions against certain members of the Iranian cabinet and parliament increases the likelihood of the creation of a political situation that could lead to an accidental war. I agree with the views expressed in a letter signed by 30 of your Senate colleague and sent to President Bush in early November that such actions are counterproductive and jeopardize efforts to resolve U.S. differences with Iran through diplomacy.

The administration should be encouraged to engage seriously in diplomacy with Iran. As Zbigniew Brzezinski stated in a Los Angeles Times article earlier this year “the United States has a choice of either being stampeded into a reckless adventure profoundly damaging to its long-term national interests or to become serious about giving negotiations with Iran a genuine chance.”

President Bush demonstrated through his leadership in convening the recent Middle East peace conference in Annapolis that he recognizes the necessity of finding a negotiated settlement of the long-standing differences between Israel and Palestine and is prepared to use the weight and prestige of his office to promote such a settlement.

I urge you to work with your Senate colleague to encourage the president to similarly use the tools of diplomacy in resolving U.S. differences with Iran.

[Sign and include your mailing address.]