Reso. No. _____
RESOLUTION NO. ______
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND IN
SUPPORT OF STOPPING THE IRAN WAR
WHEREAS, the City of Richmond affirms its values of peace, human dignity, solidarity among peoples, respect for international law, and the protection of civilian life, and rejects wars of aggression, collective punishment, and the destruction of civilian infrastructure; and
WHEREAS, at a time when Richmond and communities across the United States urgently need greater investment in healthcare, affordable housing, education, infrastructure, climate resilience, and good jobs, a war budget of $50 billion would represent a profound misallocation of public resources; and based on Richmond’s July 1, 2024 population estimate of 115,353 and the U.S. population estimate of 340,110,988, Richmond’s per-capita share of such an amount would be approximately $17 million that could instead support urgent community needs; and
WHEREAS, the United States and Israel have carried out attacks in Iran that, according to reported accounts, have struck a girls’ school in Minab, Gandhi Hospital in Tehran, residential areas, and f uel tanks and oil refinery infrastructure in Tehran, causing grave civilian harm and raising urgent concerns under international law; and
WHEREAS, under Article 2(4) of the Charter of the United Nations, states must refrain from the threat or use of forc e against the territorial integrity or political independence of another state absent lawful justification; and international humanitarian law prohibits direct attacks on civilians and civilian objects and requires distinction, proportionality, and precautions in attack; and civilian objects may not be made the object of attack; and
WHEREAS, attacks on critical civilian infrastructure are unlawful when they target civilian objects or inflict disproportionate harm on civilians, and strikes on schools, hospitals, homes, and essential civilian systems violate the core principles of the laws of war; and
WHEREAS, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth publicly declared there would be no “stupid rules of engagement,” language that undermines respect for civilian prote ctions under international humanitarian law; and President Donald Trump told Reuters that the United States must have a role in choosing Iran’s next leader and encouraged Iranian Kurds to go on the offensive, threatening Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity; and
WHEREAS, this war is unlawful, unethical, open -ended, and contrary to the interests of the people of the United States, while diverting resources away from urgent domestic needs; and Reuters has reported growing criticism, including from E uroean officials, that the U.S. -Israeli attacks on Iran breach international law; and
WHEREAS, continued United States arms transfers to Israel have been condemned by United Nations experts and international bodies, and the United Nations Human Rights Council has called on all states to cease the sale, transfer, and diversion of arms and military equipment to Israel; and in light of international court rulings affirming state duties to prevent genocide and avoid support for unlawful occupation and other s erious violations of international law, an arms embargo on Israel is urgently warranted.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED , that the City Council of the City of Richmond opposes the U.S. war on Iran and condemns attacks by the United States and Israel on civilians, schools, hospitals, residential areas, and critical civilian infrastructure in Iran.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council declares that aggressive war, the targeting of civilians, and the destruction of critical civilian infrastructure violate the U.N. Charter, the laws of war, and the most basic principles of humanity.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED , that the City Council calls on Congress to exercise its constitutional war powers to stop unauthorized war against Iran and demands immediate de - escalation and diplomacy.
Reso. No. _____
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED , that the City Council calls for an arms embargo on Israel , including an end to U.S. military assistance and transfers of weapons and military cargo that fuel regional war and civilian suffering.
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED , that the City Clerk transmit this Resolution to the President of the United States, the Speaker of the House, the Majority and Minority Leaders of the Senate, and the City’s congressional delegation.
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***THE CLERK’S OFFICE WILL COMPLETE THE INFORMATION BELOW****
I certify that the foregoing resolution was passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Richmond at a regular meeting thereof held on Mmmm dd, yyyy, by the following vote:
AYES: AYES:
NOES:
ABSTENTIONS:
ABSENT:
CLERK OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND
(SEAL)
Approved:
Mayor
Approved as to form:
City Attorney
State of California }
County of Contra Costa : ss.
City of Richmond }
I certify that the foregoing is a true copy of Resolution No. _____, finally passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Richmond at a regular meeting held on Mmmm dd, yyyy.
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Pamela Christian, Clerk of the City of Richmond