Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) stated Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026, that the Pentagon barred him from visiting Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar during a recent congressional delegation trip to the Middle East. Murphy, who sits on the Senate Foreign Relations and Appropriations committees, accused the Trump administration of withholding information regarding damages and casualties to hide the "true cost" of the nearly eight-month war with Iran. The Pentagon confirmed the denial, citing travel restrictions issued by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in March 2026.
The war began on Feb. 28, 2026, and has resulted in the damage or destruction of at least 81 U.S. military aircraft, according to a report from the Congressional Research Service. This total includes 45 MQ-9 Reaper drones, three MQ-1 Predator drones, and one MQ-4C Triton aircraft. Additionally, the U.S. Central Command (Centcom) reported in mid-September that the conflict has cost $43.6 billion. The conflict has also depleted U.S. stockpiles of long-range missiles and interceptors.
During his trip to Qatar and Saudi Arabia, Murphy said he viewed "extraordinary" damage at the U.S. embassy in Riyadh caused by a drone attack in early March. He reported that the strike rendered part of the facility uninhabitable. Murphy also met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss U.S. foreign policy, including the proposed sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia and Qatar's provision of a Boeing 747 for use as a new Air Force One.
The conflict has broader implications for U.S. national security and regional presence. The Congressional Research Service report indicates the loss of 81 aircraft, which represents a significant reduction in regional surveillance and strike capabilities. Murphy argued that U.S. bases in the region are currently "sitting ducks" and suggested the U.S. should reconsider its military footprint if these installations cannot be protected during the initial days of a conflict. He also warned that the depletion of missile interceptor stockpiles could affect readiness for future engagements.
In the coming days, Murphy said he will draft legislative language requiring the Pentagon to grant lawmakers access to overseas military bases under all circumstances to ensure congressional oversight. He stated he would seek to include this provision in next year’s defense authorization and appropriations bills. Murphy further suggested that if the war continues into 2027, Congress should consider withholding Pentagon funding unless a provision to end the conflict is included in the annual defense authorization act. The Pentagon has stated its current travel restrictions are applied "evenly" across the department.