War with Iran Has Put the U.S. at Greater Risk: Obama

Former U.S. President Barack Obama has remarked that the United States has been placed at greater risk due to conflict with Iran. He asserts that this conflict has led to attacks on U.S. allies and military bases, the loss of American lives, and a depletion of U.S. missile stockpiles—all of which have heightened security risks for the United States.

Obama made these comments while campaigning ahead of the U.S. midterm elections, scheduled for November 3.

At a rally in Morrow—a suburb of Atlanta, Georgia—he criticized President Donald Trump’s rationale for initiating conflict with Iran.

Obama pointed out that Iran did not possess any nuclear weapons. He noted that the nuclear deal signed with Tehran in 2015, during his administration, had effectively limited the country’s nuclear program.

Highlighting his own diplomatic approach, Obama said, "I didn’t have to fire a single missile. I chose the path of diplomacy."

Describing the toll of the conflict, he stated, "Our allies and military bases have been attacked. American citizens have been killed, and hundreds more have been wounded. Our missile stockpiles have dwindled, leaving us more vulnerable. Furthermore, Iran has effectively gained the power to exercise a veto over the Strait of Hormuz."

According to Obama, the conflict has also driven up global oil prices. "That is why oil prices have risen," he said.

Source: Al Jazeera