A heated verbal exchange erupted in the US House of Representatives over the ongoing Iran war, when Democratic lawmaker Seth Moulton questioned Admiral Brad Cooper, head of the US Central Command, about the country’s plan to achieve victory. Moulton, a former Marine Corps officer during the Iraq war, expressed concern that the United States appeared to be losing, citing the absence of a nuclear deal and restricted access to the Strait of Hormuz. He asked how many more Americans would have to die due to what he described as strategic mistakes.

Admiral Cooper, known for his calm demeanor, reacted sharply, calling Moulton’s remarks “completely inappropriate.” Earlier, Cooper had asserted that the United States had achieved all its military objectives in the Iran war and remained prepared for any large-scale developments despite the current ceasefire. He avoided commenting on reports that a US strike on an Iranian school on February 28 killed about 170 children.

The exchange highlighted growing tensions within US leadership over the direction and justification of the Iran conflict.