US energy secretary Chris Wright on Sunday defended the Trump administration's strategy in the war with Iran, arguing that the mission has shifted toward ensuring oil shipments can move through the Strait of Hormuz. Appearing on ABC's This Week, Wright grappled with mounting criticism over the length of the conflict, which began in February and has now claimed the lives of 16 American troops, including two more killed in Jordan.
Wright Defends Shift in Mission
Wright acknowledged that earlier claims the war would have ended by now were based on a different objective. "We did a pause to try to get an agreement with the Iranian people to allow oil to flow without them attacking it," he said. "They've proven unwilling to do that, and we've pivoted. Now, what we're doing is assuring that that oil and gas and other products can flow through the strait of Hormuz with or without Iranian cooperation, and we've continued to degrade their offensive military capabilities."
Democrat Criticizes 'War of Choice'
On the same program, US senator Mark Warner of Virginia sharply criticized the administration's handling of the nearly five-month conflict, describing it as a "war of choice" launched without an imminent threat. Warner argued that the administration has failed to accomplish its previously stated objectives, including regime change, securing enriched uranium, and eliminating Iran's missile and drone capability. "Regime change, how are we doing there? We got a worse crowd than before," Warner said. He noted that the enriched uranium the US sought to prevent Iran from building a nuclear weapon is "still there," adding: "Matter of fact, it would take a minimum of 15,000 troops on the ground for a week to try to take these canisters, which are quite volatile, out of their bunker." Warner also remarked, "Getting rid of Iran's missile and drone capability – obviously, we've not been successful there" because the conflict continued. He concluded: "The continuation of this war, at this pace, will be a continuing disaster."
Renewed Campaign and Casualties
The latest casualties came as a renewal of the campaign against Iran entered its second week, leading to intensified fighting around the Strait of Hormuz. The US launched retaliatory strikes on Sunday against Iran's Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) after the killings. After the deaths of the two US troops on Friday, Trump's defense secretary Pete Hegseth vowed the military campaign would continue, writing on social media that the service members' "sacrifice only stiffens our resolve."
Trump Escalates Pressure
Donald Trump also escalated pressure on Iran Sunday, urging Congress to include Iran in pending Russia sanctions legislation. The move would further weaken the memorandum of understanding between the two countries in June aimed at resolving the Iranian conflict, which included an agreement to end sanctions for Iran. Alluding to the unexpected death on 11 July of US senator Lindsey Graham, his ally, Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, "Republicans should add Iran to the Russian Sanctions Bill. That's what Lindsey wanted to do, and it was going to happen. IMPORTANT!!!"
