Donald Trump launched an illegal attack on Iran without any consideration about political collateral damage or the enormous financial cost

Military conflict with Iran launched by the U.S. and Israel on February 28, 2026, resulted in severe retaliatory strikes against U.S. regional bases, allied nations, and shipping lanes, sparking intense debate over whether the human and economic costs were fully weighed.

Dear Donald Trump- Echo letter published InForum in North Dakota:

Did it ever occur to you to count the cost before you committed our nation to war with Iran❓

Did it ever occur to you that Iran would return fire and attack American bases and allies in the Persian Gulf and the Middle East

Did you look at worst-case scenarios like the closing of the Strait of Hormuz before any of our ships sailed to the Persian Gulf❓

Did you consult with our allies in Canada, Europe, Asia and Latin America, and use diplomacy to garner their support❓

Did you imagine that this war would last not weeks, but months or even years?

Did you and your team ever think about the rise of gas and diesel prices, and what impact that would have on ordinary families and businesses❓

Did you consider telling Mr. Netanyahu, prime minister of Israel, “No❓”

Did you think how threatening to end the Persian six thousand yeas of civilization would violate international law❓

Did you ever think that the oppressed Iranian populace would suffer more when civilian infrastructure like bridges, water desalinization plants, power plants, etc. were bombed❓

In just five months through this war of choice, the United States of America has violated international laws, the Geneva Convention, and the moral teachings of Jesus Christ “to love your neighbor as yourself.”

Yes, the Iranian regime has blood on its hands and has made threats against our nation, but those words and even support of terrorists hardly justify the military mess you and your administration have gotten our nation into by resorting to bombs, missiles and malice, instead of using diplomacy and building an international coalition.

Stop and think, Donald Trump. Americans will be paying💲 for your personal decision to go to war with Iran for many generations to come.

Pastor Marty Toepke-Floyd is a retired ordained elder of the United Methodist Church in Jamestown, North Dakota.