Different aspects of war in Iran

President Donald Trump is boldly doing what former Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden failed to do: cutting off the head of Iran, the snake that feeds Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis, and other militias [“Trump again issues threat if no Iran deal,” News, March 31].

Iran has indicated it has weapons-grade nuclear components. Would we prefer to have them launch one of them at the United States or Israel? What did Obama and Biden do to try to stabilize the Middle East other than send money to these terrorists?

The American military is fighting to eliminate terrorism and stabilize the Middle East, and the American military is doing a great job.

— Charles Colan, Blue Point

Regardless of party affiliation, or whether you agree with the war, as sensible people, we should all agree that before billions of dollars more are gifted to the war effort, Congress should first fully fund, equip, and staff all Veterans Administration offices, hospitals, clinics and health care services [“$200B sought for Iran war,” Nation & World, March 20].

If an administration is going to send our military into war zones where they face not just enormous physical harm from 21st century weapons but also face enormous psychological pressure from witnessing the destruction those weapons do, we must take care of those who already have come home and need care.

Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency irresponsibly fired important civil servants and shuttered necessary government services and agencies. As a daughter of a Marine combat veteran, I say that now is the time for the 21st century Veterans Administration to competently, intelligently, and nonpolitically address 21st century wars and their aftermath.

— Vivienne Lenk, Little Neck, Queens

With the deployment of U.S. soldiers putting them in harm’s way and the administration’s $200 billion request to fund the war, Congress needs to represent the people who elected them. Most Americans oppose the war. Congress should return to Washington to debate the war powers resolution and find ways to stop this tragic war and to deal with the economic crisis facing tens of millions of Americans and others across the world. This is not a time for a spring break. Congress has work to do for the American people.

— Margaret Melkonian, Uniondale

This war in Iran is Israel’s war.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been pushing for war against Iran for years and unfortunately for the United States, convinced Donald Trump to go to war along with Israel.

Now, Trump is committing American ground troops to the area, but I don’t hear that Israel is committing its own ground troops. Why are we sacrificing our young men and women for Israel’s war while Israel is keeping all its troops safe at home?

— Roger Kaufmann, East Northport

Does anyone remember the fury when Barack Obama in 2016 released billions of dollars in cash of frozen Iranian assets as part of a deal to limit Iran’s uranium production and subject its nuclear program to inspections?

Now, Donald Trump eases sanctions on Iranian oil, allowing it to be sold for about $14 billion. Doesn’t Iran benefit? Doesn’t that undercut the attempt to overthrow the regime? How is this different from 2016?

— Michael Kaufman, St. James

It should come as no surprise that Russian President Vladimir Putin is aiding Iran against the United States by identifying American targets using their satellite technology. It should also come as no surprise that Donald Trump and his team refuse to condemn Russia for aiding and abetting our enemy. Russia is identifying American targets, putting our men and women in harm’s way.

This is costing American lives and destroying our credibility with our allies around the world. It’s time that this administration condemned Putin and Russia. And if they don’t, perhaps we should take a deeper look at why not.

— Jim Kiernan, Holbrook

It’s in the United States’ interest to block the Strait of Hormuz. That would make it unnecessary to control Kharg Island since Iran would be unable to ship any oil. Cutting off 100% of Iran’s oil income would leave them no longer able to continue funding their terrorist proxies and nuclear program.

— Ken Kamler, Flushing, Queens