Missouri congressman warns against another 'forever war' as U.S.-Iran conflict continues

As U.S. warplanes struck dozens of targets across Iran and Tehran retaliated with attacks across the Persian Gulf, Southwest Missouri Congressman Eric Burlison says the United States must avoid being drawn into another prolonged ground war in the Middle East.

In an interview with Missourinet, the Republican congressman said he supports a measured military strategy focused on weakening Iran's capabilities rather than deploying American troops.

"I don't want to have another forever war with boots on the ground trying to change hearts and minds in another country," Burlison said. "I think the Trump administration has been cautious. His strategy will continue in that vein to try to neuter Iran as much as possible."

The comments come as fighting between the United States and Iran entered another dangerous phase Thursday. President Donald Trump declared a ceasefire with Iran effectively over after accusing Tehran of attacking commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical oil transit routes. The U.S. responded with another wave of airstrikes, while Iran launched missiles and drones toward U.S. allies in the Gulf.

Burlison said the U.S. has strategic military options that stop short of a large-scale invasion.

"Most of the revenue that comes through Iran comes through Kharg Island, and it would be hard for that nation to try to take it back because they would be basically attacking their cash cow," Burlison said. "So, there's things that I think that we could do strategically."

He also argued the conflict could reshape other global flashpoints by disrupting military support flowing from Iran and China to Russia.

"This is setting back China and their efforts to take over Taiwan. This is also really harming Russia," Burlison said. "Iran was a huge supplier of drones to Russia. So was China. When that is cut off and now Russia has to fend for itself, you're seeing the tide kind of shift in Ukraine without us even really spending money in that war."

While supporting limited military action, Burlison said Congress should reassert its constitutional authority if the conflict becomes a sustained war.

"When we get to the point where we are in an open conflict for more than 60 days, I think that we need to step in," he said. "If we're going to have boots on the ground for any extended period of time, I think that Congress needs to step in and have a vote."

The renewed fighting has raised fears of a wider regional war and renewed concerns about global energy supplies as the Strait of Hormuz remains under threat.

U.S. officials say the latest strikes targeted Iran's military infrastructure in an effort to protect international shipping and deter further attacks.