US and Israeli strikes against Iran - 28 February 2026, Media, Maps & Timelines *NO DISCUSSION*

[SouthAussie]

With bombings, blockades and deaths, America’s “excursion” into Iran may look like a war and sound like a war but, according to one of the most senior Republicans, the US is actually “not at war” at all.

Rather, said House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, it is instead “peace” which is being “brokered”.

Seemingly, if Congress can be persuaded there is no war then they don’t have to trouble themselves with discussing whether war is approved. And the “peace brokering”, backed with the threat of – or actual – bombs, can continue.

https://www.news.com.au/world/north-america/us-politics/us-politics-iran-war-live-updates/live-coverage/0f510b2ef22a10a096611443bcd7c69c

 

[SouthAussie]

“The problem with your statements, Mr Secretary, is they are dangerously exaggerated,” Reed said. “Iran’s hard line regime remains in place. It still retains stockpiles of enriched uranium, and its nuclear program remains viable.

“I am concerned that you have been telling the President what he wants to hear instead of what he needs to hear. Bold assurances of success are a disservice to both the commander in chief and the troops who risked their lives based on them. Our military has performed heroically, but military force without a sound strategy is a path to long-term defeat.”

“Too often you have made dangerous statements that are counterproductive to the mission you boasted about,” he said. “Quote, ‘no stupid rules of engagement’, just days after hundreds of Iranian school girls were tragically killed in a missile strike, you have made troubling statements about showing no mercy and no quarter to the Iranians orders that would constitute war crimes.”

He said that while US forces were in harms way Hegseth had devoted his time to personal priorities, including overhauling the Pentagon’s chaplain corps and services, cancelling flu vaccine requirements and barring service personnel from attending certain universities.

Hegseth ‘dangerously exaggerated’ US military triumph in Iran, Senate hears

Senator Jack Reed says at hearing that defense secretary failed to give Trump accurate picture of war in Iran

www.theguardian.com

 

[SouthAussie]

The true price tag of the Iran war is closer to $50 billion, CBS News has learned, which takes into account damages to military equipment and U.S. bases in the region. As the war rages on, President Trump reiterated that Iran “wants to make a deal badly.”

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