Democratic U.S. Senator Chris Murphy said President Donald Trump has lost the ongoing war with Iran, arguing that the conflict is weakening Washington while strengthening Tehran. In an NBC News interview cited in a report published on August 10, 2026, Murphy said he would support even a “bad deal” if it ended the war and reopened the Strait of Hormuz.

Murphy said the cost of reopening the strategic waterway is increasing as talks remain stalled. He argued that the longer the war continues, the weaker the United States will become, the stronger Iran will become, and the greater the hardship for ordinary Americans as prices continue to rise.

The senator said he would oppose additional funding to continue the war. However, he said he would support funding to replenish U.S. military stocks of weapons and ammunition after the conflict ends. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said direct talks with the United States are taking place, but stated that the Strait of Hormuz would not be reopened until Washington meets Tehran’s demands.