Khanna shreds Trump's Iran war, says 'just declare victory and get out' as fresh escalation looms

WASHINGTON, DC: Rep Ro Khanna (D-Calif) on Wednesday, April 1, called for an end to US involvement in the ongoing conflict with Iran, urging President Donald Trump to “declare victory” and withdraw.

His remarks come as the conflict enters its second month and the administration signals further actions, including a potential escalation.

The White House has also announced that Trump will address the nation on the situation. 

Ro Khanna questions strategy and calls for US exit

Speaking on MSNOW's 'Morning Joe', Khanna expressed skepticism about the administration’s approach and its expected outcomes. He suggested that initial assumptions about influencing Iran’s leadership may not have materialized as anticipated.

“I think the president went in; he thought we would get a pliant new leader who would basically listen to him in Iran and give us leverage over China. Instead, he has been surprised by the resistance of the Iranian clerics,” Khanna said.

Khanna also raised concerns about potential leadership changes within Iran and whether they would alter the broader dynamics.

“(Iranian supreme leader Mojtaba) Khamenei Jr, who is in, is actually more radical than his father was, and even if they topple him, if they assassinate him, you’re going to get the [Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)], the military, which is the most hardline,” he said.

He questioned the overall objective of continued engagement, adding, “So, it’s unclear what the objective would be. I hope he just declares victory and gets out.”

Khanna’s remarks come amid increasing scrutiny from lawmakers over the duration and scope of US involvement. Recent polling has indicated declining public support for the conflict as it extends beyond initial expectations.

White House signals Trump address as conflict continues

The White House confirmed that President Donald Trump is expected to deliver a national address outlining the administration’s position and next steps.

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced the timing in a post on X. “TUNE IN: Tomorrow night at 9PM ET, President Trump will give an Address to the Nation to provide an important update on Iran,” she said.

The conflict, involving coordinated US and Israeli actions against Iran, has now entered its second month.

Officials have indicated that additional measures are under consideration, including the possible deployment of US troops to secure Iran’s highly enriched uranium. Such an operation, if undertaken, could extend over several days.

Trump also said on Wednesday, April 1, that Iran had approached the United States regarding a potential ceasefire.

He indicated that any consideration of such a request would depend on conditions related to the Strait of Hormuz.

“Iran’s New Regime President, much less Radicalized and far more intelligent than his predecessors, has just asked the United States of America for a CEASEFIRE!” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

He had previously said that he would consider the proposal when the Strait of Hormuz was “open, free, and clear.” There has been no independent confirmation of such a ceasefire request.