Top U.S. officials defend actions in Iran
Pompeo, Shanahan brief Congress
WASHINGTON — Tamping down talk of war, top Trump administration officials told Congress on Tuesday that recent actions by the U.S. deterred attacks on American forces. But some lawmakers remained deeply skeptical of the White House approach in the Middle East.
After a day of closed-door briefings on Capitol Hill, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Acting Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan said their objective over recent days has been to deter Iran. Now they want to prevent further escalation, Shanahan said.
“We’re not about going to war,” Shanahan told reporters.
“Our biggest focus at this point is to prevent Iranian miscalculation,” said Shanahan, flanked by Pompeo, after back-to-back briefings for the House and Senate. “We do not want the situation to escalate.”
The officials arrived on Capitol Hill as questions mounted over President Trump’s tough talk on Iran and sudden policy shifts in the region. Skeptical Democrats sought out a second opinion, holding their own briefing with former Obama administration officials, former CIA Director John Brennan and Wendy Sherman, an architect of the Iran nuclear deal.
The competing closeddoor sessions Tuesday came after weeks of escalating tensions that raised alarms over a possible military confrontation with Iran.
Trump, veering between bombast and conciliation in his quest to contain Iran, threatened Monday to meet provocations by Iran with “great force,” but he also said he’s willing to negotiate.
The results of the meetings Tuesday were mixed, with views settling largely along partisan lines.
Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) said the action taken by the Trump administration “is totally appropriate” and sends a message that “if you attack our people, there will be a response.”
Romney characterized it as defensive in nature and meant to deter Iran from “malign” actions.
Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego, a veteran of the Iraq War, left the classified House briefing, saying: “What I heard in there makes it clear that this administration feels that they do not have to come back and talk to Congress in regards to any action they do in Iran.”
Democrats are particularly concerned the Trump administration may try to rely on nearly 20-year-old war authorizations rather than seek fresh approval from Congress for any action.