Iraq War vet praises Iran nuclear deal as list of supporters grows

Democratic Rep. Seth Moulton, who served four tours of duty in Iraq before his election to Congress from Massachusetts last fall, has provided the White House a testimonial in favor of the Iran nuclear deal designed to counter criticism from some Iraq War veterans, POLITICO has learned.

“As a combat veteran, I know the cost of war. It is something I still carry with me today,” Moulton writes, arguing that no better deal is possible and that rejecting the deal increases the odds of military action.


Moulton had endorsed the deal earlier this month. But the White House is eager to amplify support for the agreement from a Marine who served in Iraq, where Iranian commanders backed Iraqi militias that killed hundreds of U.S. troops.

Moulton’s argument — which the White House will email to supporters Monday — comes as deal backers are claiming momentum in Congress. In recent days three Senate Democrats — Claire McCaskill of Missouri, Debbie Stabenow of Michigan and Minority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada — have declared their backing for the agreement, which limits Iran’s nuclear program for more than 15 years in return for an end to economic sanctions.

Administration officials are growing hopeful that Democrats might block a Republican-led resolution of disapproval for the deal with a Senate filibuster, which requires 60 votes to overcome.

“During the Iraq war, I saw the weapons and influence of the Iranian regime, and I deeply understand the threat Iran poses to America and our allies like Israel. That is why it is so crucial that the international community works together to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon,” Moulton writes.

A group of Iraq War veterans has been attacking the deal on the airwaves this month, with a multimillion-dollar television ad campaign reminding Americans of the Iranian role in Iraq during the war. One ad from the group, Veterans Against the Deal, features a testimonial from an Army soldier who was maimed and disfigured by an Iranian-made bomb in 2005.