Washington, March 9 (NationPress) - US Senator Tim Kaine has expressed strong reservations about the current conflict involving Iran, emphasizing that it poses the risk of repeating the errors of past American military engagements in the Middle East. He described the military actions as "illegal and profoundly unwise," voicing serious concerns regarding the safety of US personnel and civilians.

During an interview on CBS News on Sunday, the Virginia Democrat highlighted that the return of the first American casualties had intensified worries regarding the trajectory of the conflict.

"With the arrival of the first American casualties back home yesterday, including a Virginian, I worry that the answer to that is no," Kaine remarked when asked if the US had absorbed lessons from its historical military involvements in the region.

"That's just one more reason why I've been asking the question, have we learned nothing from 25 years of war in the Middle East?" he continued.

Kaine pointed out that the security situation surrounding American diplomatic missions has worsened due to escalating tensions tied to the conflict.

"There are threats," he noted, mentioning that embassies and consulates have encountered protests that are "merging toward violence or at least frightening to our diplomats."

The Senator indicated that thousands of Americans find themselves stranded across the Middle East due to travel disruptions stemming from the conflict.

"It's thousands and thousands," Kaine affirmed.

"Not every American chooses to come home, so when you tally it all, it adds up to hundreds of thousands who are not returning."

Kaine mentioned that his office has been aiding constituents attempting to return to the US.

"We were able to facilitate one Richmond area resident getting home from Dubai on a flight a couple of days back," he added.

He also raised concerns about some diplomatic staff remaining in high-risk areas.

"Some of the professionals at embassies and consulates are not being instructed to return home," Kaine said.

"And they're kind of stuck there, often without the security presence we would prefer."

The Senator remarked that US Congress has yet to receive comprehensive information regarding the potential financial implications of the conflict.

He noted that analysts estimate that the first 100 hours of military operations have cost billions of dollars.

"We don't know if the White House is planning to send a supplemental request," Kaine said, alluding to a potential emergency budget request to finance the war.

"What I can say, and it's not classified, is that the administration has stated they haven't made a decision yet."

Kaine stressed that his immediate priorities are to safeguard US troops and advocate for an end to the conflict.

"My objectives right now are two-fold: to halt this war, which I see as both illegal and profoundly unwise, and to ensure the protection of our troops," he added.

He suggested that the Trump administration might delay seeking additional funding to avoid Congressional discussions about the war.

"They may not want to request a supplemental because they are trying to sidestep debates and votes in Congress regarding the Iran war at this moment," Kaine stated.

The Senator also expressed apprehension about Americans detained in Iran, including journalist Reza Valizadeh and 70-year-old Kamran Hekmati.

"I do not, and I fear about that," Kaine said when asked if there were assurances regarding their safety.

"If school children are being killed in bombings, likely US bombings... I worry about the fate of US citizens who are being held as prisoners there."