Senator Mark Kelly calls for immediate end to U.S. Iran war strategy

Senator Mark Kelly, a former astronaut and Navy captain, told a host at one outlet that the United States must swiftly end its war with Iran, which he described as lacking a strategic goal. He blamed President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for escalating the conflict to the point of a U.S. ammunition shortage. Kelly also condemned the appointment of real-estate developer Steve Witkoff and former White House adviser Jared Kushner as special envoys, arguing that professional diplomats should lead negotiations.

He warned that Trump’s actions have strained relationships with Gulf Cooperation Council members and European partners, making a peaceful settlement harder. The senator’s remarks came as Trump announced on Truth Social that he had paused planned airstrikes after regional leaders urged a hold-off pending a peace framework.