A retired US Army general has made a bold statement suggesting that military leaders could defy President Donald Trump’s directives regarding the conflict in Iran due to widespread disapproval among Americans. Lt Gen Mark Hertling raised concerns following a recent surge in aggressive language from the White House.
President Trump issued aggressive threats towards Iran on Easter Sunday, including plans to target power plants and infrastructure, actions that would violate international law. Iran retaliated by attacking infrastructure in neighboring Gulf countries and threatening to disrupt another critical waterway, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Iran has officially rejected a US proposal for a ceasefire, insisting on a permanent end to the hostilities.
Lt Gen Hertling expressed on a news podcast that military commanders are contemplating how to handle Trump’s orders regarding Iran, especially considering the potential illegality of targeting civilian infrastructure. He emphasized the importance of loyalty to the Constitution and lawful orders, highlighting the obligation to resist unlawful commands.
The conflict has resulted in a significant death toll, with casualties on both sides in Iran, Israel, and Lebanon. The toll includes US service members lost in combat and non-combat incidents. Public opinion in the US reflects disapproval of the military action in Iran, as indicated by a recent CNN poll.
