On Feb. 28, the United States and Israeli forces launched airstrikes on Iran targeting alleged nuclear sites and government sites leaving Iran’s supreme leader dead – marking the start of the 2026 war in Iran. The United States also was responsible for the airstrikes on civilian sites such as schools and hospitals causing many civilian casualties in Iran.
The Trump Administration gave various reasons to what the motivations were to initially launch these strikes and start a war with Iran. Since the beginning of this war over 3,500 Iranians have been killed. This large amount of casualties, many of them being civilians, could cause division and anger in America. The 13 American servicemen who have died as a result of this war could cause mass fear among the American people—this has caused much fear and talk surrounding the involvement of American troops.
Amid the discussions of boots on the ground swirling around not only D.C. but the rest of the country—a military build up is happening in the middle east. Thousands of U.S. troops were originally sent to the region in an attempt to ‘de-escalate’ tensions. In recent days President Trump ordered and enforced a military blockade (with more than 10,000 U.S. soldiers) on the Strait of Hormuz which lies near the Persian Gulf. This has added to the tension between the United States and Iran; both countries continuously failing to reach a deal.
Two St. Charles High seniors, Melissa Prichard and Landen Stahlschmidt, who are joining the military weighed in on their feelings now regarding the military and the current war.
Prichard, who joined the Navy, swore in eight months ago long before the war started is now feeling differently than she originally did when initially joining the Navy.
“It does make me nervous, but I know that I will be in longer than our current president is in office and I’m hopeful for change,” Prichard said.
Stahlschmidt, who joined the Air Force, feels anxious, but is also hopeful.
“I’m kind of nervous, but I feel like it’s going to die down in the next couple months,” Stahlschmidt added.
There is overall a lot of hope in America for a ceasefire: to protect our troops, to protect all civilians here and abroad, and to lower prices.
Sources:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2026/03/28/trump-iran-ground-troops-marines/
