Senior Democratic lawmakers of the House of Foreign Affairs Committee on Wednesday (local time) sharply criticised US President Donald Trump's handling of the ongoing conflict with Iran, warning of mounting human, economic, and geopolitical costs ahead of his national address.
In a joint statement, Ranking Members Gregory Meeks, Adam Smith, and Jim Himes said, "More than a month has passed since President Trump unilaterally launched his war of choice with Iran, and he is no closer to achieving his ill-defined goals."
The lawmakers argued that the administration has failed to secure any meaningful strategic outcomes in terms of conflict with Iran. "There has been no fundamental change to the Iranian regime to ensure that it will no longer be able to pursue a nuclear program, build ballistic missiles, or support terrorist proxies. He has also failed to provide relief to the long-suffering people of Iran," he said.
They further warned that "not only have none of those goals been achieved, President Trump's war also has had a profoundly devastating impact on the region and the world."
Highlighting the human and material toll, the statement added, "The staggering costs include the deaths of 13 US service members, hundreds more injured, and billions of dollars' worth of munitions expended and military equipment damaged or destroyed. Thousands of Iranian civilians have been killed, including over 150 Iranian schoolgirls. And countless individuals have been radicalised against the United States thanks to Trump unleashing mass destruction."
The Democrats also pointed to broader global economic disruptions, saying, "The US and global economies are significantly affected by the severely reduced flow of essential commodities, including fertiliser, helium, and oil."
They added that the conflict " has engulfed the Middle East in hostilities," and strained relations with key allies. "After Trump has humiliated, belittled, coerced, and degraded allies and partners since retaking office, some of our oldest and most loyal partners are now refusing to be forced into supporting his war," the lawmakers said, arguing that the administration has failed to demonstrate any clear strategic advantage.
The lawmakers called for a shift in approach. "We hope to hear details on where we go from here, how he will bring this war to an end, and how he will address the broader instability that he has created with his war," they said.
They urged immediate diplomatic action, adding, " We urge the president to immediately negotiate a ceasefire with Iran and work toward finding a diplomatic solution. That is the only plausible way to end his catastrophic war before the costs grow even more cataclysmic and we find ourselves in yet another unwinnable, forever war."
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