Senator Chris Murphy Warns Trump’s Planned Iran Escalation Is “Insane”

Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Connecticut), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations and Appropriations committees, told a Middle East Institute event in Washington, DC, that President Donald Trump is preparing to restart large-scale strikes against Iran after the November 3 midterm elections. He cautioned that the strategy could prolong the conflict and endanger U.S. service members when Iran retaliates.

Middle East Eye

The U.S.–Israeli war on Iran began on February 28 and has entered its eighth month. Earlier strikes have already damaged civilian infrastructure, including schools, energy facilities, and transportation hubs. Sanctions have crippled Iran’s economy, causing over one million job losses and severe inflation. The current push follows reports that the Pentagon has warned Gulf Arab states to prepare for a “short, intense military campaign” after the upcoming elections.

TruthOut

• The Pentagon informed Congress that the war had cost the United States $47.1 billion through October 16, up from $37.5 billion previously reported.

Middle East Eye

• An analysis by the National Iranian American Council cites damage to roughly 1,300 schools, 80 energy facilities, and numerous transportation sites.

TruthOut

• Media reports indicate the U.S. is moving a Patriot missile-defence system to Israel and plans to deploy an aircraft-carrier strike group and a Marine expeditionary unit to the region next month.

Middle East Eye

• The Department of Defense has referenced the term “Epic Fury” as a possible code name for the next operation, indicating a willingness to employ the largest conventional bomb (“Mother of All Bombs”) and target Iran’s nuclear and energy infrastructure.

Middle East Eye

Murphy contended that the proposed campaign would violate international law by deliberately targeting civilians and using civilian harm as leverage. He accused the administration of a “cover-up” regarding damage to U.S. bases in the region, noting that Pentagon officials have denied congressional access to on-site inspections. Murphy also highlighted the recent dismissal of Brett Sylvia, the Joint Chiefs’ head of strategy, plans, and policy, as evidence of internal dissent over the war’s direction.

Mediaite

• “I will just say this: Their plan is insane.... It will lead to devastating escalation and the likely destruction of our commitment to the rule of law,” — Chris Murphy, senator

New Republic

• “You've heard a preview that it would be a short-duration plan. I'll just say this: their plan is insane,” — Chris Murphy, senator

Middle East Eye

• “It's like nothing I've ever seen in my now 20 years in the United States Congress.” — The Pentagon

Middle East Eye

• “We may do another little Epic Fury,” — President Trump

Middle East Eye

• “This is just very clearly a cover-up,” — Chris Murphy, senator

Mediaite

The United States is expected to finalize its decision on renewed strikes after the November 3 midterm elections. Congressional oversight hearings on the war plan are anticipated, and further deployments of naval and missile-defence assets are slated for the coming month.

Middle East Eye