Defense

Kelly on Iran war: ‘What are the American people getting out of this?’

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by Tara Suter - 05/10/26 3:18 PM ET

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by Tara Suter - 05/10/26 3:18 PM ET

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Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) on Sunday questioned the basis for the U.S. war against Iran, which recently stretched past its second month, saying “we’re going to be in a worse posture than we otherwise would be in if this war in Iran didn’t happen.”

“Do you think that the U.S. would be able to defend, for example, Taiwan, if China tries to move against it? Or are you saying we are not in a position to do that right now?” CBS News’s Margaret Brennan asked Kelly on “Face the Nation.”

“Well, it all depends on the length of a conflict. You know, a conflict that lasts a matter of days or just weeks, I think we’re well positioned to do that. If a conflict goes on for months or years, when it takes years to replenish some of these munitions, of course, we’re going to be in a worse posture than we otherwise would be in if this war in Iran didn’t happen,” Kelly replied.

“And by the way, Margaret, what are the American people getting out of this? I mean, this president said he wasn’t going to start any new wars. He was going to bring down costs. He’s done exactly the opposite. War against Iran. Costs on everything are up,” he added.

Recent polling found Americans mostly opposed to the conflict in the Middle East, in which oil and gas prices have gone up due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for the energy industry, amid the fighting. According to AAA, the current average price for a gallon of regular gas in the U.S. is about $4.52, up from about $3.14 last year at this time.

According to Iranian state media, Tehran has submitted a response to the recent U.S. peace proposal. The Islamic Republic News Agency reported that negotiations between the Trump administration and Iran were only focused on stopping hostilities in the region, per a source familiar with the matter.

The Hill has reached out to the White House for comment.

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