By a vote of 4-0, the council passed a resolution to "urge the federal government to seek positive diplomatic relations between Iran and the United States of America instead of escalating tension."
Commissioners Randy Leonard and Erik Sten introduced the resolution.
"[The resolution] didn't talk about whether the American government was right or wrong or the Iranian government was right or wrong," said Kathleen Gardipee, an aide to Commissioner Sten. "It just said that there were people who were innocent in both countries who wanted to find another way to resolve differences."
Gardipee said she understands that some will ask why the city council would choose to pass a non-binding resolution on a foreign policy issue. She told AM 860 KPAM that city hall is a good forum for citizens to voice their opinion. Many did just that on Wednesday, she said.
"No, the city council of Portland does not set foreign policy but our [congressional] delegation does," Gardipee said.
The council will forward the resolution on to the seven members of Oregon's congressional delegation.