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Clashes in Washington reveal divisions over US strategy toward Iran and the controversial plan to compensate those linked to the events of January 6.
A hearing in the US Congress turned into a tense debate over the war with Iran, the Trump administration's military strategy and a nearly $1.8 billion fund proposed by the Justice Department to compensate the president's allies.
The most heated clash occurred between Democratic Congressman Seth Moulton and Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of US forces in the Middle East. Moulton questioned the results of the US operation against Iran and demanded to know what the administration's plan was to "win the war."
"It looks like we're losing. We don't have a nuclear deal, the Strait of Hormuz is not completely secure, and the president has demanded unconditional surrender. What's the plan?" Moulton asked.
Admiral Cooper defended the US operations, saying that military objectives had been achieved and that a ceasefire and naval blockade were currently in place. However, he avoided commenting on the administration's political decisions.
The debate was further heated when Moulton asked "how many more Americans have to die for this mistake," while Cooper called the statement "inappropriate."
Elsewhere in the session, Pentagon officials refused to rule out sending US troops to Iran. Daniel Zimmerman, assistant secretary of defense for international security affairs, said President Donald Trump is “keeping all options open.”
Asked whether the administration would seek authorization from Congress to resume military operations against Iran, Zimmerman avoided a direct answer, emphasizing that diplomatic negotiations continue.
Earlier, Trump declared that a new attack on Iran was "just an hour away" before he called it off after consultations with Gulf leaders.
In parallel with the debates over Iran, Congress is also facing strong controversy over the $1.776 billion fund announced by the Department of Justice to compensate people who claim to have been unfairly targeted by previous administrations.
Many Republican senators have expressed concern that the fund could also be used by people involved in the attack on the Capitol on January 6, 2021.
Republican Senator Mike Rounds stated that the events of January 6 were "not a peaceful protest, but a serious riot," adding that any such fund should have judicial oversight.
Senator Susan Collins also called for more transparency on the eligibility criteria, saying the initiative raises “very serious questions.” She spoke out against compensating people convicted of violence against police during the Capitol attack.
Senator Lisa Murkowski said the Justice Department's testimony raised more questions than answers, especially about the origin of the fund and the selection criteria.
Meanwhile, Senate Republican Majority Leader John Thune openly stated that he is "not a fan" of the fund and that he sees no clear reason for its existence.
So far, most Republican lawmakers have avoided public support for the initiative, while the issue is expected to be included in federal budget debates in the coming months.
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