Khaberni - A leading Democratic senator sparked controversy in Washington after talking about the potential for the confrontation with Iran to escalate to a more dangerous phase, which may include the deployment of American forces on the ground.
Senator Richard Blumenthal (Democrat from Connecticut), after exiting a closed briefing of the Senate Armed Services Committee about the war with Iran, indicated that signals suggest that President Donald Trump's administration is on a path that could lead to deploying American forces inside Iranian territory.
He added in a statement to reporters: «It seems we are on a path that could lead to deploying American forces on the ground in Iran to achieve some potential objectives».
Discontent with the ambiguity of war costs
Blumenthal expressed his profound dissatisfaction with the information presented during the briefing, asserting that he left it «not satisfied and angry», unlike any other during the 15 years he has been a member of the Senate. He said: «I left the meeting with more questions than answers, especially regarding the cost of the war».
He added that his questions «did not find clear answers», emphasizing that the American people «deserve to know the truth».
The White House does not rule out ground forces
Although President Trump did not officially announce plans to deploy ground troops, he did not dismiss this option, opening the door to a scenario that may raise the level of military and political risks in the conflict, especially in a sensitive election year.
The American administration had offered diverse justifications for the goals of the war, ranging from preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons to talks about the possibility of regime change in Tehran.
Concern over the threat to the lives of American soldiers
Blumenthal confirmed that what concerns him most is the increasing risk that may threaten the lives of American servicemen, should military operations expand to include a ground presence inside Iran.
Warning of Russian and Chinese support for Iran
The American senator cautioned about the possibility of Iran receiving foreign support, saying that there is «a specter of active Russian support» for the Iranian regime.
Reports indicate that Moscow has provided Tehran with intelligence that has assisted it in targeting American bases in the Middle East, resulting in the death of 7 American soldiers during the Iranian counter-strikes. Blumenthal added: «It seems that Russia is actively and intensively helping our enemy with intelligence information and perhaps other means, and China may also be providing support to Iran».
Political disagreement within Washington
Amid the escalation, a number of Democrats in Congress continue their opposition to the strikes carried out by the Trump administration against Iran, considering that declaring war is constitutionally a Congressional prerogative.
Some Senators also hinted at using procedural tools to stall legislative work unless administration officials agree to testify under oath before Congress regarding the war goals and costs.
