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Senator Warns Military Conflict with Iran 'Very Likely'

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  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, March 12th 2026 at 8:59 GMT by CNN
      Locales: IRAN (ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF), UNITED STATES

Washington D.C. - March 12th, 2026 - Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) delivered a stark warning today, asserting that a military conflict with Iran is "very likely" in the near future. Speaking to reporters following a closed-door briefing on regional security, Welch expressed deep concern over the rapidly escalating tensions and cautioned that current diplomatic efforts may be insufficient to avert a catastrophic outcome.

The Senator's comments come amidst a volatile geopolitical landscape. While the specific triggers are multifaceted, a confluence of factors - including the ongoing proxy conflicts in Yemen and Syria, persistent accusations regarding Iran's nuclear program, increased Iranian support for regional militant groups, and heightened U.S. military presence - have contributed to a significant rise in hostilities. The recent intensification of Houthi attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea, widely attributed to Iranian backing, has further inflamed the situation.

Welch stressed the dire consequences of a full-scale conflict. "We are talking about a region already scarred by decades of instability. A war with Iran wouldn't be contained. It would have ripple effects across the globe - impacting energy markets, creating a massive humanitarian crisis, and potentially drawing in other nations," he explained. He underscored the importance of a multi-pronged approach, emphasizing the need for robust diplomacy alongside a credible deterrent.

"Diplomacy is not just talking; it's demonstrating a commitment to finding a peaceful resolution. That includes engaging directly with Iran, even - and especially - when disagreements are profound. But it also requires a clear message that aggressive actions will have consequences," Welch stated.

The Biden administration, Welch acknowledged, is actively pursuing diplomatic channels, including ongoing talks with European allies and regional partners. However, the Senator questioned the effectiveness of these efforts given the current trajectory. He pointed to the lack of substantial progress in reviving the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the 2015 nuclear deal, as a significant setback. The JCPOA's collapse, combined with Iran's advancements in uranium enrichment, has heightened fears that Iran is nearing nuclear weapons capability.

"The administration is walking a tightrope," Welch conceded. "They're trying to balance the need to deter Iran's destabilizing behavior with the desire to avoid war. It's a delicate balancing act, and I'm not convinced they have all the leverage they need."

Congress, Welch emphasized, has a crucial role to play in providing oversight and ensuring that the administration's policies are aligned with U.S. interests and values. He indicated that the Senate Foreign Relations Committee is planning a series of hearings in the coming weeks to examine the situation in Iran and assess the administration's strategy.

"We need to understand the full scope of the risks and opportunities. We need to hear from experts, intelligence officials, and diplomats. And we need to have a candid conversation about the potential costs of inaction versus the costs of military intervention," he said.

Beyond the immediate security concerns, Welch highlighted the humanitarian implications of a potential conflict. "A war with Iran would inevitably lead to a surge in refugees, exacerbate existing food insecurity, and further destabilize an already fragile region. We have a moral obligation to do everything we can to prevent that from happening," he asserted. He called for increased humanitarian aid to countries bordering Iran and for a concerted international effort to address the root causes of instability.

The Senator also addressed the domestic implications of rising tensions with Iran. He warned of potential cyberattacks targeting U.S. infrastructure and the possibility of increased terrorist activity. "We need to be prepared for all contingencies," he said.

Looking ahead, Welch urged a renewed focus on de-escalation and dialogue. He suggested exploring new diplomatic initiatives, including confidence-building measures and regional security dialogues. "There are no easy answers," he acknowledged. "But we cannot afford to simply wait for the situation to deteriorate further. We need to act now, with urgency and determination, to prevent a catastrophic war with Iran." The next few weeks, Welch implied, will be critical in determining whether a diplomatic solution remains within reach. The shadow of conflict looms large, and the stakes could not be higher.