Senator Chris Murphy alleges Pentagon cover-up regarding Iran war damage

Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) has accused the Pentagon of a “cover-up” regarding the true costs of the Iran war after being denied access to Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. During a recent Congressional Delegation trip to the Middle East, Murphy sought to inspect the facility, which sustained damage from drone strikes during the conflict. While the Department of Defense cited existing travel restrictions for the denial, Murphy intends to draft legislation requiring the Department of Defense to grant Congressional members access to overseas military bases under all circumstances.

Following meetings with Qatari mediators, including Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Murphy stated that a potential deal to end the conflict between the United States and Iran “does not sound imminent” and characterized the proposed parameters as “likely pretty skimpy.” He suggested that any agreement might involve significant U.S. concessions, such as billions in sanctions relief and the release of frozen funds, in exchange for relatively small Iranian commitments regarding its nuclear program.

This comes as President Donald Trump described ongoing discussions with Iran as “productive,” noting he would not renew military strikes against the Islamic Republic before the U.S. midterm elections.