US senator briefed on Trump's plans to restart Iran war says proposal is 'insane'

Senator Chris Murphy says he has been briefed on the US's plan to restart the war on Iran, calling it "insane" and saying it would lead to a "devastating escalation".

"You've heard a preview that it would be a short-duration plan. I'll just say this: their plan is insane," Murphy said, speaking at an event organised by the Middle East Institute in Washington, DC, on Wednesday.

"It will lead to devastating escalation and the likely destruction of our commitment to the rule of law."

Murphy, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations and Appropriations committees, made the comments after American media reported on Wednesday that the US warned several Gulf Arab countries to be prepared for a short, intense military offensive against Iran after the US midterm elections on 3 November.