"They employed every possible measure, including concealing information about damage, delaying casualty reports, and preventing our access to the scene. This is part of a campaign to cover up the true cost the US is paying in the conflict with Iran," Democratic Senator Chris Murphy stated on 8/10.

This week, Senator Murphy traveled to the Middle East with a US congressional delegation to meet leaders of Gulf nations and inspect several US military bases to assess wartime damage.

The area suspected of damage (circled in red) at Al Udeid base in an image released on 4/4. Photo: Al Jazeera.

"Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is determined to conceal from the American public the cost and consequences of this conflict. It is absurd that I and Republican senators are prevented from witnessing that damage firsthand," Senator Murphy said.

Prior to his trip, Senator Murphy had sent a letter and directly requested US military leaders for permission to visit Al Udeid military airfield. This is the largest US military base in the Middle East and also houses the forward headquarters of US Central Command (CENTCOM), the agency responsible for US military operations in the region.

The US Department of State supported Senator Murphy's visit, but the Pentagon denied him access to the base, citing previously issued regulations.

"Senator Murphy's office was informed prior to his Middle East trip that the US Department of Defense would not support his access to Al Udeid base, in accordance with directives issued by the US Secretary of Defense on 3/3 regarding travel restrictions in the region," a senior Pentagon official explained.

Nations in the Gulf region. Graphic: Guardian.

The Pentagon and the US Department of State in early march urged US citizens to leave the Middle East region and updated travel advisories, recommending against travel to several countries, including Qatar.

However, Senator Murphy argued that it is "completely normal" for US lawmakers to visit conflict zones, directly engage with commanders and soldiers, and witness damage to bases and equipment. He stated he had previously visited bases in Iraq and Afghanistan during US deployments there.

Senator Murphy stated that the US Congress, which determines budgets and approves declarations of war, requires lawmakers to witness the consequences on the ground firsthand.

Senator Chris Murphy speaking in Barcelona, Spain on 18/4. Photo: AP.

He also mentioned the incident in march when two Iranian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) attacked the US embassy in Saudi Arabia, sparking a fire and damaging the building, stating that part of the affected area sustained permanent damage and is unusable.

In 2023, the US announced plans to build a new embassy in Saudi Arabia. According to Senator Murphy, this is the main reason the building was not repaired after the attack.

Nguyen Tien (According to Defense News, AP, Reuters)