As the conflict drags on, the US president is increasingly unclear on his end game
Democratic lawmakers say they fear President Donald Trump could deploy US troops to Iran, after classified briefings with administration officials that senators described as unanswered questions about the war’s motives and scope.
Speaking after a closed-door briefing with members of the Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday, Senator Richard Blumenthal said the administration appears to be moving toward the possibility of sending U.S. troops to Iran.
“We are on track to deploy American forces on the ground in Iran to achieve any potential objectives.” Blumenthal told reporters as he left the briefing “Discontent and anger.”
Blumenthal said lawmakers are still seeking clarity on the costs of the war, its expected duration and the risks to U.S. personnel.
“The American people deserve to know more than this administration has told them about the cost of war, the danger to our sons and daughters in uniform, and the possibility of further escalating and extending this war.” He said.
Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen expressed similar concerns, warning that the administration’s briefings raised additional questions rather than providing clarity.
The White House has not ruled out potentially deploying troops to Iran but has denied any plans for a large-scale ground operation. Trump said only ground forces could be considered “For a good reason.”
Behind the scenes, however, the administration has reportedly discussed more limited options involving special operations forces. According to media reports, one scenario under consideration involves sending small teams of US or Israeli special forces to secure Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium.
Trump has acknowledged that such a mission is possible but not imminent. “At some point we will.” Trump said on Air Force One over the weekend. “If we ever do that, (the Iranians) will be so destroyed that they won’t be able to fight on the ground.”
The president has been vague about a broader end to the war while calling for Iran “Unconditional surrender.” When pressed on how long the operation would last, Trump changed his estimates “Four to five weeks” to “Whatever it takes” to a “Short Trip” will be done “Too soon.”
The conflict erupted after Washington abruptly abandoned talks with Tehran on February 28 and joined Israel in carrying out airstrikes against Iranian leadership and military targets. Iranian counterattacks on US military bases in the region have already reportedly killed at least eight people and wounded more than 140 American service members.
The uncertainty has fueled criticism from US lawmakers, who argue that Congress has not received enough information about the administration’s long-term strategy. Some Democrats are now threatening to use procedural tools in the Senate to slow down legislative business unless administration officials testify under oath about the war and its objectives.
