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Senator Kelly Criticizes Trump's 'Erratic' War Strategy, Cites Human and Economic Costs

From CBS News · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Interview Named sources Ongoing story
  • Sen. Mark Kelly criticizes President Trump's handling of the ongoing war, calling his approach erratic and escalatory.
  • Kelly highlights the war's cost in American lives and the economic strain on citizens, including rising prices and struggling veterans.
  • He suggests the administration lacks a strategic goal and a competent plan, advocating for experienced negotiators to engage with Iran.

Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona sharply criticized President Trump's management of the ongoing war, describing his approach as erratic and escalatory during an interview on "Face the Nation." Kelly noted that the conflict, initially predicted to last weeks, has now entered its sixth month with widening targets, including Iran hitting Egypt and Saudi Arabia joining U.S. bombing campaigns against Iranian-backed militias.

I mean, not these latest plans, and I think what we're seeing here is a president who has an approach to this that's just rather erratic.

— Sen. Mark KellyCriticizing President Trump's handling of the war.

Kelly expressed concern over President Trump's recent remarks about considering military action on an "unseen" scale since World War II. "I mean, not these latest plans, and I think what we're seeing here is a president who has an approach to this that's just rather erratic," Kelly stated. He believes the president is attempting to revert to a previous state of affairs, stating, "At this point, he's trying to get us back to February, and I think if he could, he would."

At this point, he's trying to get us back to February, and I think if he could, he would.

— Sen. Mark KellyDescribing President Trump's perceived desire to undo recent events.

The senator underscored the significant human and economic toll of the war. "Hey, we've got 18 dead Americans. Prices have skyrocketed across the country for the American people," he said. Kelly recounted meeting with veterans in Ohio who are struggling to afford basic necessities like gas and groceries due to rising costs.

We've got 18 dead Americans. Prices have skyrocketed across the country for the American people.

— Sen. Mark KellyHighlighting the human and economic costs of the war.

Addressing the administration's strategy, Kelly argued that the U.S. entered the conflict without a clear strategic goal, plan, or timeline. He criticized the Secretary of Defense's initial metric of dropping numerous munitions, leading to a munitions shortage. "So they're flailing. They're stuck. They're responsible for this, and the president is the one that has to try to figure out a way out of this," Kelly asserted. He recommended bringing in experienced negotiators to engage with Iran and assemble a coalition, rather than relying on informal advisors.

So they're flailing. They're stuck. They're responsible for this, and the president is the one that has to try to figure out a way out of this.

— Sen. Mark KellyAssessing the administration's current strategy in the conflict.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CBS News in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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