Trump defends Iran campaign after two US troops killed in attack, Democrats call to 'end the war'

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump defended the US military campaign against Iran on Saturday, July 18, after two American service members were killed in an Iranian attack on a US base in Jordan, while Democratic lawmakers called for the conflict to be brought to an end.

The remarks came as the US launched another round of airstrikes targeting Iran following the attack. The differing responses highlighted a widening political divide over Washington’s military strategy in the region after the first reported US combat deaths since the latest escalation.

Trump says fallen troops died to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon

Speaking to the New York Post, Trump described the deaths of the two service members as "a shame" but argued that the military mission remained necessary. "They did it because they don’t want to see Iran have a nuclear weapon," Trump said of the fallen service members. "… And it just shows you how bad (the Iranians) are." 

When asked whether he would contact the families of those killed, Trump responded, "Of course I will. I always do. Yeah."

Trump's comments came after US Central Command (CENTCOM) launched another round of strikes on Iran, saying they were intended to weaken Tehran's ability to threaten shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and "swiftly punish" IRGC forces blamed for the attack on US troops in Jordan. 

Trump also defended the broader military campaign by comparing the casualties to previous US conflicts. "Have you ever asked how many people died in Vietnam? Have you ever asked how many people died in Afghanistan in one day? Trump said. "They died because they don’t want to see Iran have a nuclear weapon and they don’t want to see the Middle East blown up."

Democrats call for war de-escalation

Following confirmation of the deaths, several Democratic lawmakers argued the conflict should be brought to an end, saying further escalation would only increase the risk to US troops.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries called for de-escalation after the attack, writing, "No more American heroes need to die because of this reckless war of choice," while offering prayers for the service members and their families.

Senator Chris Van Hollen wrote on X, "I’m thinking of the 2 American soldiers killed, those injured, & the 1 still missing after yesterday’s attack in Jordan. I am praying for them & their loved ones. This senseless war should never have been started and it needs to end NOW."

Rep Ro Khanna also urged an end to the conflict, writing, "My thoughts and heart with the families of the two American service members killed and a third one missing after Iranian strikes on one of our bases in Jordan. End the war in Iran." 

Rep Melanie Stansbury similarly said, "Two more American service members’ lives have been lost in a war that never should have happened in the first place... It is long past due for my colleagues across the aisle to stand up and stop this war and end the violence!"