By Gloria Ogbonna
Wednesday on CNN’s The Arena, Representative Seth Moulton (D-MA) delivered a sharp criticism of the United States’ handling of the escalating conflict with Iran, arguing that despite major strikes against Iranian military assets, the broader operation has placed America in a weaker strategic position.
Speaking with CNN host Kasie Hunt, Moulton expressed deep skepticism about ongoing diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran. Hunt referenced reports that both sides were moving toward a possible one-page agreement aimed at easing tensions and asked whether he believed the negotiations could improve the situation.
Moulton responded bluntly, saying he did not believe the United States was heading toward a better outcome. According to the Massachusetts congressman, the conflict has ultimately strengthened Iran’s leverage rather than weakening it.
“We’re in a decidedly worse place because Trump started this war,” Moulton said. “Iran now has far more leverage than they did at the beginning when the United States was focused on negotiating a nuclear deal.”
The Democratic lawmaker argued that the Trump administration’s actions had complicated America’s position in the region, particularly regarding the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes. He suggested that Washington was now being forced into reactive diplomacy after previously taking a more aggressive military approach.
“This is a loss for us, and that’s how dangerous this war has been,” Moulton added.
Hunt then asked directly whether he believed the United States was losing the conflict. Moulton answered that America was “certainly losing it right now on almost every measure.”
The congressman pointed to several areas where he believes U.S. objectives have failed to materialize. He argued that attempts to pressure Iran politically had instead produced an even more hardline leadership. While acknowledging that U.S. operations damaged parts of Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities, Moulton claimed the easing of oil sanctions had simultaneously provided Tehran with billions of dollars in additional revenue that could be used to rebuild military strength.
Moulton also disputed claims that Iran’s nuclear program had been effectively destroyed, arguing that the current situation leaves the United States in a weaker negotiating position than during the Obama-era nuclear agreement.
“We clearly have not obliterated their nuclear program,” he said. “And we’re in a far worse position than Obama was with the Iran nuclear deal.”
The congressman further criticized Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and President Donald Trump over the ongoing crisis involving the Strait of Hormuz. He noted that Iran’s Islamic regime has survived decades of confrontations with multiple American administrations — including the hostage crisis under President Jimmy Carter and the wars launched during the Bush administration — without fully shutting down the strategically vital waterway.
According to Moulton, the current administration’s handling of the conflict pushed Iran into taking unprecedented action.
“It took Hegseth and Trump, the most incompetent people imaginable for our national security, to actually get the Islamic Republic to close the Strait of Hormuz,” he said.
Moulton concluded by arguing that the United States now appears to be seeking concessions from Iran rather than negotiating from a position of strength.
“Now he’s begging,” Moulton said. “We’re the ones making proposals to them.”
Source Breitbart
Original article
Comments