Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA) questioned CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper on May 5, 2026, regarding the closure of the Strait of Hormuz [1].
The hearing highlights a growing conflict between congressional oversight and the Trump administration's military strategy during the war with Iran. The closure of the strait threatens global energy security and has created significant economic pressure within the U.S.
During the House Armed Services Committee hearing in Washington, D.C., Moulton said the military committed a catastrophic series of failures [1]. He cited a botched regime-change effort that resulted in the deaths of the family of a moderate Iranian leader [1].
"How many more Americans have to die for this mistake?" Moulton said [1].
The economic impact of the crisis has been severe. Following the events discussed, gasoline prices in the United States rose by 56% [1]. Moulton said these strategic errors have endangered both U.S. lives and the stability of the domestic economy [1].
Moulton said the administration should enlist the help of China to keep the strait open [1]. This approach aligns with reports that President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping have agreed the waterway must remain open [2].
Trump advisers have reportedly increased calls for Beijing to assist in reopening the strait ahead of a summit in Beijing [3]. The effort to leverage China's influence over Iran is seen as a primary method to resolve the maritime blockade [3].
Admiral Cooper faced questioning regarding the handling of the conflict and the resulting geopolitical instability. The committee focused on whether the current strategy has exacerbated the crisis in the Persian Gulf [1].
“"How many more Americans have to die for this mistake?"”
The confrontation between Rep. Moulton and CENTCOM reflects a critical divide over the U.S. approach to regime change and maritime security. By urging the Trump administration to rely on China's diplomatic leverage with Iran, Moulton is suggesting that U.S. military power alone is insufficient to maintain the flow of oil through the Strait of Hormuz, effectively acknowledging a shift in regional power dynamics.
