US senator says Trump has 'lost' Iran war, urges deal

'Democratic Senator Chris Murphy on Sunday declared that President Donald Trump has "lost" the war with Iran, warning that continued military operations are weakening the United States while strengthening Tehran's position. Speaking to NBC, Murphy said that "America is weaker. Iran is stronger" after months of conflict, stating he would support even a "bad deal" to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The Connecticut lawmaker added that the cost of reopening the strategic waterway continues to rise as diplomatic efforts remain stalled.

Stalled talks and Iranian demands

Iranian officials have demanded reparations, the lifting of sanctions, and a halt to US military operations, according to The Washington Times. Murphy stressed the urgency of ending the conflict, saying: "The war needs to end because every day that the war continues, America gets weaker, Iran gets stronger, and people here in the United States get screwed as prices go up and up and up."

Opposition to war funding

The senator said he would oppose additional funding to continue the war but indicated support for replenishing US munitions once the conflict concludes. The US and Israel launched military action against Iran on February 28, triggering retaliation that has blocked the vital oil shipping route for weeks.