Top Democrat says Iran emerged stronger despite conflict

US Senator Chris Murphy welcomed the prospect of an end to the conflict with Iran but sharply criticised President Donald Trump, arguing that the war had caused widespread destruction without achieving its stated objectives.

In a post on X, Murphy said “thousands of innocent people have been killed” and the economy had been damaged, while accusing Trump of repeatedly changing the goals of the conflict.

He argued that Iran retained key capabilities, including its ballistic missile and drone programmes, and said Tehran had emerged from the war “more powerful” and emboldened.

Murphy added that the possibility of peace should not prevent scrutiny of what he described as an unnecessary and poorly managed conflict.