Commander of U.S. Central Command Adm. Brad Cooper pushed back after Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA) pressed him on the number of American deaths during the Iran war. The tense exchange unfolded during a Tuesday hearing before the House Armed Services Committee as lawmakers questioned the Trump administration’s strategy in the region amid a fragile ceasefire between the United States, Iran, and Israel.“The president has called for unconditional surrender,” Moulton said. “Is that part of the plan?”
“Congressman, we achieved all of our military objectives,” Cooper said. “We are presently in a ceasefire, we’re executing a blockade, and we’re prepared for a broad range of contingencies.”
Moulton, appearing frustrated, responded by questioning the human cost of the conflict.
“Well, it doesn’t seem to be going well, and I would like to know how many more Americans we have to ask to die for this mistake,” Moulten pressed. “Do you know?”
“I think that’s an entirely inappropriate statement from you, sir, with all due respect,” Cooper replied. Moulton responded, saying, “It’s not a statement, it’s a question.”
