Washington, April 5 (NationPress) On Sunday, U.S. political and religious figures expressed serious concerns regarding the ongoing conflict with Iran. They scrutinized its justification, strategic approach, and economic ramifications as tensions escalate.

Archbishop Timothy Broglio, who oversees Catholic chaplains for U.S. military personnel, remarked that the conflict does not satisfy the criteria for a “just war.” He cautioned that it seems to be preemptively addressing a threat that has not yet materialized.

In an interview on CBS’ Face the Nation, Broglio supported the call for diplomatic solutions, emphasizing that lives are being lost on both sides, including among U.S. troops. He advised service members facing moral dilemmas to minimize harm and strive to protect innocent lives.

The archbishop also noted the dangers of framing this conflict in religious terms, describing it as potentially problematic to consider the war divinely justified and hard to portray as endorsed by a higher power.

He highlighted rising worries about “moral injury” among military personnel, suggesting that even lawful combat can leave lasting emotional scars. This has led to initiatives within military chaplaincy aimed at supporting personnel in coping with the psychological toll of warfare.

Concerns also surfaced from the political arena, with Maryland Governor Wes Moore connecting the conflict to escalating economic pressures domestically. He pointed out that energy prices have risen significantly, stating, “gas prices have increased by over $1 due to our decision to engage in another war of choice.”

Moore cautioned that the U.S. is dangerously heading towards another prolonged conflict, drawing parallels to Afghanistan, where the U.S. military remained for 20 years, only to see the Taliban regain control two decades later. He criticized the administration for failing to clearly articulate its objectives.

With reports of a U.S. fighter jet being downed and subsequent search-and-rescue operations occurring within Iranian borders, Moore expressed that the situation is deeply alarming, as families are left anxious about hearing from their loved ones.

He emphasized the need for clarity from the White House on the mission's goals and what success would entail. On foreign policy, Moore argued that the Iran conflict reveals strategic deficiencies, noting that the U.S. has entered into conflict without fulfilling essential prerequisites: “War should always be a last resort, you must clearly define your mission, and you should establish an international coalition. None of these criteria have been met.”

Further complicating the situation, U.S. forces reportedly undertook a risky operation to rescue a downed airman in Iranian territory, involving numerous aircraft and hundreds of military and intelligence personnel. The downed pilot survived by seeking refuge in rugged terrain before being extracted, highlighting both the intensity of the conflict and the prowess of U.S. special operations forces.