The head of the Senate Armed Services Committee on Friday pressed President Donald Trump to end the ceasefire against Iran and resume bombing the country, potentially escalating a tense situation while the administration works toward a peace deal.
Sen roger vicar (R-Miss.), frustrated by talks between Tehran and Washington, said the president should not trust Iran’s leaders to honor any deal.
He wrote, “Our Commander-in-Chief must direct his skilled military leaders to destroy Iran’s conventional military capabilities and eliminate any last vestiges of its nuclear program.” in a social media post. “This is the only way to ensure lasting stability in the region.”
Trump announced on Tuesday that he was indefinitely extending a two-week ceasefire with Iran to allow negotiations on a peace deal. But U.S. naval forces continue a blockade of ships traveling to and from Iran in the Strait of Hormuz, and a third aircraft carrier arrived in the area this week.
White House press secretary Carolyn Leavitt said Friday that special envoy Steve Witkoff and the president’s son-in-law Jared Kushner will travel to Pakistan on Saturday to restart talks to end the conflict.
But Wicker, as the top Republican on the powerful Senate military panel, raised doubts about that effort before it even began. He has repeatedly defended the president’s decision to attack Iran, calling it a matter of national security.
Wicker’s comments come amid mixed messages from the administration. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, in a Briefing with journalists On Friday morning, talks in Iran alternated between declaring victory and pledging to inflict “maximum violence” on the country if the president were to resume hostilities.
“President Trump’s patience is steadfast and his mission is clear,” Hegseth said. “The President said it again yesterday: We have all the time in the world, and we are not eager for a deal.”
Wicker has promised to hold standalone hearings in his committee to discuss the causes of the Iran war and its impact on U.S. military preparedness. Officials have not set any date for the event.
