2 Democratic senators want the Iran war over and one says the $25B cost figure is a flat-out lie

WASHINGTON, DC: Two Democratic Senators, Bernie Sanders and Chris Murphy, on Saturday, May 9, called for an immediate end to the ongoing conflict with Iran, escalating criticism of President Donald Trump’s handling of the war and the administration’s diplomatic strategy.

Sanders and Murphy both argued that the military campaign risks deepening costs for the United States while complicating efforts to secure a long-term nuclear agreement with Tehran.

Their comments came as the Trump administration continues to pursue negotiations with Iran while maintaining military and economic pressure, including a naval blockade and expanded sanctions. The White House has said a peace proposal remains under consideration by Iranian officials.

Bernie Sanders claims war could cost over $1 trillion

Senator Bernie Sanders sharply criticized the financial cost of the conflict, disputing the Trump administration’s estimate that the war would cost $25 billion.

In a post on X, Sanders wrote, “The Trump Administration says the war in Iran will cost $25 billion. That’s a lie.”

He added, “This war could cost over $1 trillion, thousands of dollars for every household in America.”

The Vermont senator argued that federal resources should instead be directed toward domestic priorities, including housing, education and health care.

“Invest in housing, education, and health care, not illegal and unconstitutional wars. END THIS WAR NOW,” Sanders said.

Sanders’ estimate reflects broader concerns among anti-war lawmakers about the long-term economic burden of military engagement, particularly as oil prices and defense spending remain elevated amid instability in the Middle East.

The Pentagon said that the US war effort in Iran has cost $25 billion so far, according to senior defense official Jules Hurst.

Chris Murphy says Trump deal may fall short of 2015 agreement

Senator Chris Murphy also called for an end to the conflict, while focusing his criticism on the administration’s negotiating position and the future of Iran’s nuclear program.

“I want this war to end, now. And I want a deal that constrains Iran's nuclear program,” Murphy wrote on X.

The Connecticut senator argued that any agreement secured by Trump would likely be weaker than the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the Obama-era nuclear deal that Trump withdrew from in 2018.

Murphy said the original agreement placed strict limits on Iranian uranium enrichment, stockpiles and inspections, while warning that Iran’s nuclear capabilities have significantly expanded since the US exit. 

“When Trump blew up the agreement, Iran put their nuclear program into overdrive,” Murphy said.

He added that Iran now holds strategic leverage and has gained technical knowledge that cannot be reversed, even under a future agreement. “No deal can reverse the knowledge they gained. That's a disaster Trump made,” Murphy said.

Republican Senator John Cornyn pushed back on Murphy’s criticism, writing on X, “Quite an argument, Chris.” Cornyn added, “We need to finish defanging the Islamist regime and come home.”