- Phil Lyman, a congressional candidate, advocates for the U.S. to pull out from the Iran conflict, labeling it as a “debacle.”
- Although initially in favor of the military action, he now believes the war has been “usurped.”
- Lyman insists that Iran should be prevented from acquiring nuclear weapons.
SALT LAKE CITY — Phil Lyman, a congressional candidate, has urged the United States to disengage from the ongoing conflict with Iran, describing the war as a “debacle” that has been “usurped.”
Lyman, a former Republican state legislator who is contesting against Rep. Celeste Maloy for Utah’s 3rd Congressional District, initially backed the military action and the objective of stopping Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. However, he has expressed dissatisfaction with the Trump administration’s management of the war, which commenced over two months ago, and stated he would oppose any extension of congressional war powers.
“I was in favor of the initial action and how it was executed,” Lyman shared with the KSL and Deseret News editorial boards on Thursday. “I believe it’s been usurped and at this juncture, they need to withdraw from the debacle unfolding in Iran.”
Lyman didn’t provide concrete evidence to support his assertion — other than a contested claim from a Republican congresswoman who alleged that the CIA had raided the Office of the Director of National Intelligence — but he questioned whether President Donald Trump is truly in control.
“I’d like to think that Trump is making these decisions, but on the other hand, it seems inconsistent with his initial stance to then find himself entangled in a quagmire of flawed policy, poor decisions, and misguided military action,” he stated. “Would I vote for continued funding of this? No, we need to withdraw. We need to exit the Middle East, or at least the Strait of Hormuz.”
In response to the U.S. attacks, Iran blocked traffic through the strait, disrupting global oil shipping routes and causing fuel prices to surge. A ceasefire was declared last month, followed by the U.S. imposing its own blockade around certain Iranian ports.
Lyman expressed his discontent with this move.
“To impose a blockade on Iranian ports, establish the blockade and then declare a ceasefire, seems disingenuous,” he commented.
The initial strikes on Iran were carried out following a successful military operation in January, during which U.S. Special Forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Lyman believes Trump anticipated similar outcomes in Iran.
“When you engage in a prolonged conflict with Iran, at some point you have to admit this was not what I promised,” he stated. “If I claimed I would accomplish this in two weeks, clearly I haven’t.”
“I believe it’s time to reassess,” he added.
Lyman previously told KSL that one of his main motivations for running for Congress is to enhance government transparency, and his questions about the war underscore the need for Americans to have a clearer understanding of their government’s actions.
“We need a system where people can at least discover the truth about these matters,” he concluded.
Disagree – It’s important to stand with our allies and support peace efforts in the region.
Disagree – Pulling out now would only further destabilize the region.
Disagree – Abandoning our responsibilities in the region would have devastating consequences.