Democrats urge Trump to end Iran war after US troop deaths
Following the deaths of three US service members in Iranian strikes, Democrats are calling on President Donald Trump to immediately halt hostilities, citing rising casualties and the risk of further escalation.
Democrats have seized on the deaths of three US troops killed in Iranian strikes to demand that Donald Trump urgently reverse his resumption of the war with Iran, amid growing anxiety over climbing casualties.
The Pentagon released the names of two soldiers killed in a strike on a base in Jordan on Friday: First Lieutenant Tyler James Feehan, 25, and Private Isabella Gonzales, 19. A third service member died in northern Iraq on Saturday in a controlled detonation of unexploded ordnance. The remains of a possible fourth dead service member were also found.
Democratic Senator Chris Murphy accused Trump of having "frighteningly lost control of this war." "The scale of attacks – and threats of escalation – are increasing rapidly," he wrote on social media.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared that the US would not be deterred, stating, "Their sacrifice only stiffens our resolve." Iran has vowed retaliatory strikes against US Gulf allies.
In a brief telephone conversation, Trump called the deaths "a very sad thing." But Democrats across the board urged him to step back from his belligerent posture. House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries called the war "reckless and costly." Senator Chris Van Hollen posted: "This senseless war should never have been started and it needs to end NOW."
The New York Times reported that Iranian forces had carried out three strikes against US targets in Jordan last week before Friday's deadly attacks that were not disclosed by the Pentagon. At least 17 US service members have been killed since the war began on February 28, while more than 1,700 Iranian civilians are estimated to have died.
Both the House and Senate have passed war powers resolutions aimed at restraining Trump, requiring congressional approval after 60 days of hostilities. The White House contends that there have not yet been 60 continuous days of fighting.
Republicans remain publicly supportive of Trump, despite polls showing low and sliding approval for the war. A Washington Post-Ipsos survey found approval for Trump's handling of the conflict at just 29%. Republicans accused Democrats of politicizing the casualties.
