WASHINGTON – The Pentagon has issued a pointed response to comments made by Congressman Pat Ryan regarding President Donald Trump’s handling of the Iran war.
Ryan (D, NY-18), an Iraq War veteran, told Mid-Hudson News on Wednesday that Tuesday’s ceasefire agreement with Iran leaves the United States in a weaker position in the Middle East. He also criticized the president’s handling of the conflict, which began on Feb. 28.
“This is just another Democrat trying to make headlines, as the Department of War decisively and overwhelmingly achieved the president’s objectives in Iran,” said Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson. “Secretary Hegseth will continue to protect the homeland and project peace through strength. This is just another charade in an attempt to distract the American people from the major successes we have had here at the Department of War.”
Under the ceasefire agreement, Iran will allow vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz for two weeks, with the Iranian military coordinating ship traffic. However, the détente has faced some challenges. President Trump said he expects Iran to comply with terms he says were agreed upon for a ceasefire ahead of planned negotiations this weekend, warning that if it does not, he will order large-scale attacks on the country. Meanwhile, Iran maintains that the U.S. is violating the agreement by allowing Israel to continue its war against Hezbollah in Lebanon, while the White House says that was never part of the deal.
Ryan said on Wednesday that President Trump needs to clarify the goal of the war and outline an exit plan for the war, which has resulted in the death of 13 American servicemembers.
“This is not a game, and it was treated like it was a video game, played by a five-time draft dodger — that’s a disservice to our country and our troops,” Ryan said.
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