Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., said Saturday that U.S. efforts against Iran are “90% there” in achieving President Donald Trump’s stated objectives, while cautioning that the final goals could prove the most difficult.
The senator outlined his president’s four goals as efforts to destroy Iranian missiles, their nuclear weapons, their navy, and prevent them from arming and training terrorists in the future.
Calling the operation a “very successful mission so far,” Marshall added they are “90% there,” while acknowledging the human cost: “The nation must mourn the loss of 13 American soldiers and perhaps another dozen seriously injured.”
He warned against complacency, stating that “the last 10% may be as hard as the first 90%.”
Marshall described Iran as an “irrational, toxic theocracy driven by religious hatred,” adding it is “a wounded animal right now, very dangerous.” He said they must be taken seriously, especially on the home front.
On whether U.S. forces should be used to secure Iran’s enriched uranium, Marshall indicated he would not “take anything off the table for the president” but emphasized his reluctance toward war.
“I hate war,” he said, invoking President Dwight Eisenhower’s words about its “brutality and futility.”
Marshall highlighted his family’s military service and stressed caution: “I value the blood of American soldiers. I hope that’s minimized.”
While acknowledging that “there may be some special operations that are required,” he stated decisions must weigh “the benefit versus the risk.”
“I support his decisions where we are right now,” Marshall concluded, reiterating, “but I do hate war and hope we can do this without American soldiers on the ground there.”
