Trending Now - Lawmakers With Combat Experience Confront New Mideast Conflict

WHO:

President Trump

Arizona Democratic Sen. Ruben Gallego

Republican Rep. Eli Crane of Arizona

Republican Rep. Brian Mast, chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee

Democratic Rep. Pat Ryan

Democratic Rep. Jason Crow

Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois

Vice President JD Vance

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth

WHAT:

President Trump ordered an attack on Iran.

Six U.S. military members were killed in a drone strike in Kuwait.

Lawmakers expressed mixed feelings about the conflict, balancing satisfaction in vengeance against fears of a new war.

Eli Crane voted against a war powers resolution that would have halted attacks on Iran unless Trump received congressional approval.

The cost of military operations is likely running into the billions of dollars.

WHERE:

Washington, D.C.

Iraq

Afghanistan

Kuwait

WHEN:

The events discussed are occurring in 2026.

The week before the attack on Iran, as referenced by Eli Crane.

WHY:

Lawmakers are motivated by personal experiences in combat and the desire to avoid another long, drawn-out Middle Eastern war.

Concerns about Iran's support for militant groups that have targeted U.S. service members for decades.

HOW:

Lawmakers wore bracelets with names of friends killed in battle to honor their memories.

Eli Crane called for the Trump administration to approach the conflict with "humility and caution."

Lawmakers reflected on their combat experiences to inform their positions on the conflict.

(UPDATED March 9, 2026 19:19 UTC)

Today, President Trump ordered an attack on Iran following a drone strike in Kuwait that resulted in the deaths of six U.S. military members. In Washington, D.C., lawmakers, including Arizona Republican Rep. Eli Crane, expressed mixed feelings about the conflict, balancing their satisfaction in vengeance with fears of a new war, while Crane notably voted against a war powers resolution that would have required Trump's approval for further attacks. As the cost of military operations is projected to reach billions, many lawmakers wore bracelets honoring friends lost in battle, emphasizing the need for a cautious approach to the ongoing situation.