Iran Gains Leverage as U.S. War Strategy Falters, Says Rep. Moulton

Iran’s Growing Influence Amidst U.S. Military Strategy Concerns

Massachusetts Congressman Seth Moulton, a decorated former Marine Corps officer and member of the House Armed Services Committee, expressed deep concerns regarding the United States’ current strategy in its conflict with Iran. Speaking on a recent broadcast, Moulton argued that the longer the conflict escalates, the more power and leverage Iran gains over the U.S., particularly in light of the disappearance of an American airman.

Hostage-Taking Tactics and U.S. Leadership Doubts

Iran has a long history of using hostage-taking as a tactic against its adversaries. Moulton highlighted this pattern, questioning the U.S. reliance on Iran to treat a downed pilot, should they be found, according to the laws of war. He voiced particular alarm over comments and actions by the Secretary of Defense, whom active duty Marines reportedly nicknamed the “secretary of war crimes” for his perceived disregard for the laws of armed conflict.

Adding to these concerns, Moulton pointed to the U.S. Commander-in-Chief’s past remarks, specifically his comments about servicemen who are captured. The Congressman recalled President Trump’s statement, “I don’t like veterans who got captured. That’s the only reason he’s a war hero. I like the ones that don’t get captured.” Moulton wondered how the family of the missing airman must feel, knowing this is the attitude of their leader.

The Perilous Nature of Rescue Missions

Moulton drew upon his own experiences to illustrate the extreme danger involved in rescue missions. He described flying into a crash site shortly after an American plane had been shot down, facing the risk of being targeted by the same enemy. He explained that such missions require flying low, conducting extensive search patterns, and spending valuable time over enemy territory.

“Everyone knows where they’re headed, right? The Iranians know that they’re coming where the plane was shot down,” Moulton stated. “So it’s an incredibly dangerous mission.” He praised the bravery of American service members willing to undertake such perilous tasks, even if there are disagreements about the war itself.

Escalation Risks and Strategic Missteps

A significant worry for Moulton is the potential for further U.S. entanglement in the conflict. He fears that continued escalation could lead to more American aircraft being shot down and more personnel being captured. “The more the president gets himself stuck in this, the more he escalates, the more he threatens even to escalate, the harder it’s going to be for him to get out,” he warned.

Moulton criticized the administration’s handling of the conflict, citing the President’s initial assertion that the mission would be accomplished in a couple of weeks, followed by shifting justifications. He noted the lack of details on negotiations with Iran and the recent 48-hour warning to Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face strikes.

Questionable Military Objectives and Endgame Clarity

The Congressman questioned whether the administration possesses a coherent military objective. He suggested that escalating the conflict makes a clear endgame impossible. Moulton argued that a well-defined endgame should have been established before initiating the war and adhered to.

He pointed out that military advisors had warned Iran might close the Strait of Hormuz. Furthermore, he referenced concerns from figures like Chairman Cain, who suggested that expending munitions in a protracted Middle East conflict would weaken the U.S. position to deter conflict elsewhere, such as a potential World War III over Taiwan. “So at a strategic level, this is just a dumb move to start this war,” Moulton concluded.

Tactical Challenges and Limited Options

On a tactical level, Moulton found it difficult to see how ground troops could effectively reopen the Strait of Hormuz. He clarified that Carg Island, which the President mentioned taking, is not located in the strait itself and its capture would not resolve the issue. Stationing troops along the strait’s shores would require an indefinite presence, as Iran could simply close it again once they departed.

Moulton outlined the only two plausible endgames: either occupying the entire country and replacing the regime, or reaching a negotiated agreement. He stressed that the further the U.S. pushes, the less leverage the President has. Iran has closed the strait, and the U.S. is now reportedly seeking help from China, a major adversary, to reopen it. The presence of an American hostage further increases Iran’s leverage.

Miscalculations on Iranian Regime Change

Moulton addressed the administration’s apparent miscalculation regarding the rapid collapse of the Iranian regime. He noted that while President Trump denied seeking regime change, the situation has led to the departure of an aging Ayatollah, replaced by his son. This successor is perceived as more hardline, potentially more willing to pursue nuclear weapons, and hardened by the loss of his immediate family in an assault.

This development, Moulton argued, makes eventual regime change towards a more pro-American government even less likely. “Once again, Trump losing leverage, Tehran gaining leverage,” he stated. He questioned the President’s claims of winning when Iran has a more hardline regime, continues to fire ballistic missiles, and the U.S. needs to seek assistance from China.

Troop Deployment and Lack of Clear Strategy

With over 50,000 U.S. military personnel in the Middle East or en route, including thousands of Marines and paratroopers whose missions are undisclosed, Moulton compared the current situation to his own deployment to Iraq under the George W. Bush administration. He recalled that even though the Iraq War was controversial, Congress had debated and voted on it, and military planners had clear, albeit imperfect, plans with a known endgame.

“None of the troops in the Middle East have that right now,” Moulton asserted. He expressed dismay that even within classified settings like the House Armed Services Committee, there appear to be no clear plans. He concluded by highlighting the troops’ likely awareness that their Commander-in-Chief has made false statements, citing the President’s claim of eliminating Iran’s anti-aircraft capabilities just before two American jets were shot down.

Source: Longer the conflict goes, the more leverage Iran has over the U.S.: Iraq War vet Dem Rep. (YouTube)