Congressman Warns of ‘Obvious War Crime’ in Iran Conflict

Navy Vet Congressman Slams Trump’s Iran Strategy, Cites ‘Abuse of Power’

Pennsylvania Congressman Chris DeLuzio, a Navy veteran with experience in Iraq, has voiced strong criticism regarding the Trump administration’s handling of the conflict with Iran. DeLuzio, who was previously investigated along with five other lawmakers for urging U.S. troops to disobey illegal orders, called the president’s actions a pattern of “abuse of power” and potentially an “obvious war crime.” His comments come amid reports of a ceasefire deal and ongoing negotiations, which he argues have been disastrous and costly for America.

Shifting Objectives and High Costs of War

Speaking on the administration’s objectives in Iran, DeLuzio stated, “I think they don’t know what the heck they’re doing.” He highlighted reported terms of a ceasefire deal that include Iran gaining control of the Strait of Hormuz, the lifting of sanctions, and continued uranium enrichment. DeLuzio described this as a worse outcome than the situation before the war began. The conflict, he emphasized, has already cost billions of dollars and resulted in the deaths of 13 Americans, with hundreds more wounded. “That’s a strategic disaster if that’s where this goes,” he warned.

Concerns Over Strait of Hormuz and Military Costs

DeLuzio expressed deep concern that the fighting could resume, leading to a situation worse than before the war. He pointed to the incompetence of an administration willing to enter the war despite serious objections, including those from the Vice President, who reportedly had concerns about the likely outcome of shutting down the Strait of Hormuz. Having sailed through the Strait himself as a naval officer, DeLuzio understands its strategic importance as leverage for Iran. He argued that freeing up the Strait, only for Iran to threaten it, would incur substantial costs in dollars and lives to protect shipping. When asked what he would have advised regarding securing the Strait, DeLuzio’s response was blunt: “Please don’t go start this war because it would have been dumb.” He believes the war has destabilized the region and increased costs for Americans at home, affecting everything from gas prices to shipping costs for goods.

“To me, it goes to the incompetence of this administration that they were willing to go into this war despite now the reporting of serious objections, including the vice President that expressed real concerns of what a war in Iran would look like to include the very likely outcome of shutting down the Strait of Hormuz.”

Threats Against Civilian Infrastructure Deemed Illegal

The congressman also addressed reports that President Trump had threatened to target civilian infrastructure in Iran, including power plants and bridges. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly stated that U.S. forces were “locked and loaded” on such targets. DeLuzio unequivocally stated that threatening the destruction of purely civilian infrastructure and the annihilation of an entire people is against American law. “It’s illegal. That’s a basic constitutional truth in our country,” he asserted. He criticized the president and his defense secretary for doubling down on these threats, calling it “dangerous stuff.” DeLuzio urged Republican lawmakers to reconsider their loyalty and stand up for fundamental constitutional truths.

Calls for Limits on Presidential Power

DeLuzio noted that even some influential MAGA voices and dozens of Democrats have called for invoking the 25th Amendment. While acknowledging the unlikelihood of the cabinet taking such action, he stressed the importance of the conversation. He believes the president’s threats constitute a pattern of “abuse of power and unhinged behavior” that is dangerous. DeLuzio expressed little confidence that the current cabinet would constrain the president. He called for Congress to reconvene to halt the war and strip the president of his authority to continue waging it, especially as it risks American lives and dollars while domestic costs rise.

Looking Ahead

As negotiations continue, the focus remains on whether Congress will take action to end the war in Iran and whether lawmakers will address the president’s alleged abuses of power. The long-term consequences of the conflict and the administration’s policies will likely continue to be debated, with particular attention on the security of the Strait of Hormuz and the cost to American lives and the economy.

Source: Trump 'threatening obvious war crime' is part of pattern of 'abuse of power': Navy Vet congressman (YouTube)