As the Trump administration intensifies its military campaign against Tehran, a prominent veteran advocacy group reports a surge in internal dissent among U.S. service members and their families. The Center on Conscience & War (CCW) disclosed Monday that its hotline has been “ringing off the hook” with calls from soldiers and relatives who believe the escalating conflict was “preventable” and lacked clear legal or strategic justification.
The reports of internal friction emerge as President Donald Trump signaled a hardline stance, stating Washington is “not ready” to negotiate a ceasefire with Iran. Simultaneously, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has reportedly issued direct threats against Israeli leadership following a new wave of strikes on Iranian infrastructure.
‘Phones Ringing Off the Hook’
Executive Director Mike Prysner took to X (formerly Twitter) to highlight what he describes as an unprecedented wave of opposition within the military community. Prysner alleged that the scale of the mobilization is being underreported to the American public.
“Phone has been ringing off the hook. A LOT more units have just been activated for deployment than the public knows about,” Prysner posted.
The CCW, which advocates for the rights of conscientious objectors, noted that many callers cited the Minab school massacre—an airstrike that Iranian officials say killed 168 children—as the “catalyst” for their loss of confidence in the mission. While the Pentagon has launched an investigation into the strike, the CCW reports that rank-and-file soldiers, particularly in the E-3 to E-5 pay grades, are increasingly questioning the legality of their orders.
Concerns from the 31st MEU
The organization specifically highlighted the spouse of an infantryman in the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), currently being redirected toward the Middle East. According to the CCW, the spouse reported that:
- Moral Disagreement: Numerous Marines within the unit “do not agree with the mission.”
- Restricted Communication: Families were allegedly permitted only a single “last message” email through supervised accounts before deployment.
- Leadership Extremism: At least one high-ranking officer was described as “war hungry,” allegedly characterizing the conflict as a “Holy War for Armageddon.”
“Families believe they have no regard for the safety of the men or the legality of the orders,” the spouse told the non-profit.
The Humanitarian and Political Cost
The unrest within the military comes at a volatile moment for the administration. On the ground in Iran, the strike on the Shajareh Tayyebeh School in Minab has drawn international condemnation from UN experts and Amnesty International. If U.S. responsibility is confirmed, the incident would rank among the deadliest civilian casualty events involving American airpower in decades.
Despite the internal outcry, there is currently no evidence of mass refusal to deploy. The CCW clarified that while opposition is vocal and widespread, service members have continued to follow deployment orders as units move from the Pacific theater toward the Persian Gulf.
Escalating Rhetoric
The White House remains undeterred by the reports of domestic and internal dissent. President Trump recently dismissed the prospect of a swift deal, telling reporters that the terms offered by Tehran “aren’t good enough yet.” This follows his recent social media posts describing the targeting of Iranian leadership as a “great honor.”
| Key Conflict Metrics (March 2026) | Status |
| U.S. Deployment | ~5,000 Marines/Sailors (31st MEU & Tripoli ARG) |
| Strait of Hormuz | Effectively closed; oil prices at 4-year highs |
| Civilian Toll | 1,300+ killed (ICRC estimate); 168 children in Minab |
| Diplomacy | Stalled; U.S. demanding “better terms” |
