Sen. Chris Murphy Says the Pentagon's Plan for Renewed Iran Strikes Is 'Insane' and Would Cause 'Devastating Escalation'
The Connecticut Democrat says lawmakers were briefed on a possible short offensive. The Pentagon did not respond. The Daily Caller adds casualty, cost and polling figures from outside sources.
A Democratic senator is publicly warning about what the administration might do on Iran after the election, the Daily Caller reports.
What Murphy said. Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., said at a Middle East Institute panel Wednesday that lawmakers received a detailed briefing on possible military operations, including a short offensive. "Their plan is insane," he said. "It will lead to devastating escalation and the likely destruction of our commitment to the rule of law." He said striking Iranian civilian infrastructure would prolong the conflict and put more American personnel at risk. He said Pentagon officials discussed the plan but questioned whether commanders believe it could achieve its objectives.
The claims about access. Murphy said that after his recent trip to Saudi Arabia and Qatar, Pentagon officials kept him from visiting Al Udeid Air Base or getting briefings from regional commanders. He said the Navy installation in Bahrain was effectively unusable after Iranian attacks and that Al Udeid was running at much reduced capacity.
The numbers. The Daily Caller cites the Pentagon's casualty database for 23 U.S. service members killed, 11 by hostile action, and 865 wounded. It cites a Pentagon assessment obtained by Stars and Stripes putting the cost at about $47.1 billion as of Oct. 16. It also quotes a think tank analyst who says the true cost is likely over $112.3 billion. A Pew survey from Oct. 8 found 65% disapprove of Trump's handling of military operations against Iran and 33% approve.
The context. The Caller says the war began with U.S.-Israeli strikes on Feb. 28 and has continued at reduced intensity after a ceasefire collapsed, with Iran restricting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and the U.S. maintaining a naval blockade. The senator's remarks follow reports that U.S. officials warned Middle Eastern allies to prepare for another round of strikes after the Nov. 3 elections. The Associated Press, as cited by the Caller, said Trump has not made a final decision.
Note for readers: Murphy is an opponent of the administration, and the details of the briefing come from him alone. The Pentagon did not respond to the Caller's request for comment.