It’s Time to End This War

As the fog of war has ascended, a fragile, temporary ceasefire has taken root in America’s war of choice against Iran. Thus far, this has been a significant strategic defeat for the US, and there is no purpose in prolonging this warfare. This is the time for Congressional Republicans to step up and safeguard the nation from continuing this disastrous conflict.

Loss of American Blood and Treasure

Since the beginning of the Iran War in late February, 13 US service members have died, in addition to more than 370 injured. More than $30 billion have been spent, according to American Enterprise Institute, which includes equipment replacement due to Iran’s retaliatory strikes. The daily expenditure has been $500 million, according to Center for Strategic and International Studies.

What has the US government gained after this multibillion military operation? Despite the Pentagon striking more than 13,000 targets and utilizing a quarter of its Tomahawk missiles, Iran is still able to halt trade across the Strait of Hormuz with small boats, drones, and missiles. This waterway blockage has spiked oil prices, leading to additional expenses across American businesses, and an additional burden on the taxpayers.

Enforced reopening of the strait would involve an extended occupation by the US, raising significant costs for the nation. To keep funding mounting costs, the Pentagon has requested a staggering $200 to bankroll this operation.

The Rationale for War Was Lost

Despite the US military informing the president that Iranians would not galvanize in mass protests against their regime during an aerial warfare, and US intelligence assessing that a collapse of the Iranian government is an unlikely outcome, the Trump administration still marched onto war. Even the National Counterterrorism Center Director resigned, stating that Iran did not pose an imminent threat and this war does not benefit the American people.

The US lost any foundation of protecting Iranian civilians from their government the day an American missile struck an elementary school, killing 175 individuals, most of whom were children. The civilian fatalities ran to 1,500, as US and Israel strikes hit schools, hospitals, and nonmilitary infrastructure, according to a consortium of human rights groups. The usage of explosives in dense areas and attacks on infrastructure serving civilians contributed to fatalities that raise serious legal concerns on conducting this war.

America First or Israel?

Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that as Israel was going ahead with military actions against Iran, the US decided to follow through as a preemptive action. Just because Israel said it will attack its archenemy, the US rode along into warfare for this supposed ally.

Congress members have sworn an oath to defend the US government and to faithfully discharge their duties. The majority in this nation believe that striking Iran was the wrong decision, and 61 percent disapprove of the president’s handling of this conflict, according to Pew Research Center.

I ask all Republican Congress members to answer this question: How does the Iran War make “America safer, stronger, and more prosperous,” an overarching mission of the Trump administration?

If you don’t have a solid answer, then do right for your citizenry and end this war, which legally requires congressional approval. The military and economic fallout of this war warrants that Congress enact legislation to remove all US armed forces from unauthorized hostilities in Iran. Democrats have tried four times to pass this legislation, but the measure failed due to Republican opposition.

It’s time for bipartisanship for the sake of the nation. Congress cannot leave it to the White House for a negotiated conclusion to this war; concrete measures must be taken so that the war does not resume, unless authorized by the lawmakers of this land. We simply cannot continue another war without an endgame, only to benefit a foreign power.

Tamim Choudhury is a public affairs specialist for an international volunteering agency. The views expressed are of his own.