Rep. Jack Reed doubts Trump’s strategy, says we are in ‘much worse position with Iran’

WASHINGTON, DC: Sen Jack Reed slammed Donald Trump over Iran strategy, stating that he doesn’t think that the president even has a plan to achieve the war objectives.

Earlier on Saturday, May 2, Trump said that he was reviewing the 14-point peace proposal sent to Washington by Tehran. In a latest update on the matter, Iran on Sunday, May 3, said that it had received a formal response from the United States on the proposal.

Sen. Jack Reed says the US is in ‘worse position’ with Iran

The ranking Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, Jack Reed, on Sunday, May 3, said that he believes that the US is in a much "worse position with Iran" since the war started.

Talking to ABC News' 'This Week' co-anchor Martha Raddatz, Reed said, "We're in, in many respects, a much worse position.”

"The regime in Tehran is probably more hostile and fanatical than the one that we replaced ... We have not yet resolved the issue of nuclear material in Iran,” Reed added during his conversation with Raddatz.

“So this has been a tactical demonstration of prowess, but has not achieved the strategic goal that the president announced, and he seems not to have a plan to achieve those goals."

Jack Reed questions president’s plan despite possible strikes

When asked about his colleague Sen. Richard Blumenthal’s statement regarding the possible strikes on Iran, Reed said that while the Trump administration is up for strikes, "I don't believe the President has a plan.”

"I do have the impression from some of the briefings that I have received, as well as other sources, that an imminent military strike is very much on the table, which is deeply disturbing because it could well involve American sons and daughters in harm's way and potential massive casualties," Blumenthal said on CNN on  Thursday, April 30.

Putting his view on Blumenthal’s statement, Reed said, "Well, they are certainly positioned for strikes. That's what a military force has to be.”

"I don't believe the President has a plan. I think it's impulsive. It's day to day. It's how [Trump] feels, and he's not being given I think the support and the planning that is necessary to make judicious judgments."

'Pete Hegseth’s claims are ‘dangerously’ exaggerated'

Jack Reed and the Defence Secretary, Pete Hegseth, had a verbal clash during the Armed Services Committee hearing last week, where Reed accused Hegseth of dangerously exaggerating the war successes.

"The problem with your statements, Mr. Secretary, is they are dangerously exaggerated," Reed said in his opening statement at the hearing.

"Iran's hardline regime remains in place, it still retains stockpiles of enriched uranium, and its nuclear program remains viable."

Earlier, Vice President JD Vance also questioned the accuracy of war information given to President Donald Trump as he expressed concern over the availability of munitions.

US war with Iran

The ongoing war with Iran, which started with a joint military assault on Iran by the US and Israel on February 28, killing the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has entered its 10th week.

As the war timeline has crossed the 60-day deadline, Pete Hegseth, during the Armed Services Committee hearing, was asked if President Trump would ask Congress for authorization to continue the war.

"We are in a ceasefire right now, which our understanding means the 60-day clock pauses or stops in a ceasefire," the secretary responded.

Under the War Powers Resolution, presidents must ask Congress for authorization to continue a military operation after 60 days.