Kennedy opposes U.S. troops in Iran, urges public address

Kennedy backs pressure but not U.S. troops

Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana said the United States should maintain sanctions and a blockade against Iran as officials consider how to reopen the partially closed strait. During a Sept. 27 appearance on CBS News’ “Face the Nation,” the Republican senator said he had not reviewed classified intelligence concerning a possible renewed bombing campaign.

Kennedy said Iran’s recent offer to President Donald Trump was not serious and supported the president’s decision to reject it. He framed the next choice as reaching a settlement that opens the strait or escalating U.S. action.

Kennedy opposed deploying American troops to open the waterway. He said troops could accomplish that objective, but the United States would then have to keep them there, creating additional problems.

Oil prices and the midterm campaign

Kennedy connected the strait’s partial closure to higher oil and gasoline prices. He said voters he encountered while visiting competitive states were primarily concerned about living costs and also worried about Iran because of its relationship to those costs.

Asked about frustration over the conflict, including objections from some Republican candidates and Senate votes, Kennedy said the midterm elections would be close but did not forecast which party would prevail. He said Trump should remain focused on the cost of living.

Kennedy also renewed his call for a national address explaining why the United States entered the conflict, what progress the administration believes it has made and how it plans to leave. He said Trump could deliver the address or assign it to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Gen. Dan Caine. Kennedy said he would continue pressing the recommendation.