Senator Kennedy Defends Ongoing U.S. Involvement in Iran
During an interview on “Face the Nation,” Louisiana Senator John Kennedy expressed that the U.S. should not change its course regarding Iran, even as many Americans are calling for an end to the conflict.
Kennedy indicated that withdrawing troops from Iran would be a “big, big mistake.” He did, however, criticize Secretary of War Pete Hegseth for his request for $67 billion to continue funding the war following a recent Senate hearing.
When asked by host Margaret Brennan about whether the administration had provided him with a confidential briefing on Iran, Kennedy refrained from explaining further, shifting the blame onto the White House for its public statements regarding the war.
“I support the president of Iran. We all need to send a better message,” Kennedy remarked. Yet, he also noted that Trump has a “loud presence” and tends to stray from a disciplined messaging approach.
“I’m not saying he should stop talking,” he added, suggesting that a detailed speech or press conference would be helpful in clarifying the U.S. objectives in Iran.
Kennedy then criticized Democrats, particularly Independent Senator Bernie Sanders, for his stance on withdrawing from the conflict. “Barney wants to go home. He wants to turn off the lights, make sure the cat is inside and go to sleep,” Kennedy said. He warned that this could be a “very big mistake.”
Brennan pointed out that a CBS News/YouGov poll showed that 67% of Americans felt the U.S. should “end the conflict now,” while 33% preferred to continue until Iran capitulated.
Kennedy emphasized the need for stronger sanctions against Iranian oil sales and supported maintaining ongoing blockades. He also suggested military action, notably targeting underground nuclear facilities in Iran.
Despite his critical stance on daily attacks against Iran, Kennedy mentioned that these do not seem effective in changing the Iranian leadership’s mindset. “It’s like dealing with Sam or Charles Manson’s son,” he quipped.
After consecutive airstrikes over 13 days, the United States halted its bombing campaign, as reported by the Associated Press. Nonetheless, Kennedy maintained that the U.S. should stay engaged in these conflicts as long as it can manage the economic costs.
“I don’t think we should just cut it out and run away,” he said. Maintaining the current approach for a few more months seems essential, though he added that he does not advocate for sending in the military.
