Texas [US], May 11, 2026, BNN Web Staff: US Senator Mark Kelly has strongly criticised US President Donald Trump over Washington’s involvement in the Iran conflict, alleging that the administration entered the war “without a strategic goal, plan or timeline.”
In an interview with CBS on Sunday, the Arizona Democratic senator said the lack of clear objectives in the conflict had led to a significant depletion of US military stockpiles, including advanced defence systems and precision-guided munitions.
Kelly said Pentagon briefings had detailed heavy usage of key defence assets such as Tomahawk missiles, ATACMS, SM-3 interceptors, THAAD systems and Patriot missile batteries. He described the level of consumption as “shocking,” warning that replenishing these stockpiles could take years.
He argued that the rapid drawdown of military resources could weaken US readiness in other potential global hotspots, including the Indo-Pacific region where tensions involving China remain a concern.
“It’s shocking how deep we have gone into these magazines,” Kelly said, adding that the administration’s approach lacked planning and long-term strategy. “Because of that, we’ve expended a lot of munitions, and that means the American people are less safe,” he noted.
The senator also questioned the broader benefits of US involvement in the West Asia conflict, saying Americans were not seeing any tangible gains.
He accused the Trump administration of reversing its earlier promise of avoiding new wars and reducing domestic costs.
“What are the American people getting out of this? 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,” Kelly said, adding that the conflict had contributed to rising costs across sectors.
Meanwhile, tensions in the region continue to escalate. Iranian state media, Press TV, citing a senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander Brigadier General Ahmad Zolghadr, claimed that US naval deployments in international waters were no longer effective in creating psychological pressure on adversaries.
In response, US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that it had “redirected” 61 commercial vessels amid ongoing maritime security operations linked to the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy shipping route.
As the situation develops, President Trump has continued to take a hardline stance against Iran, criticising Tehran’s response to US-led efforts aimed at de-escalating hostilities in West Asia and the Gulf region. He also reiterated criticism of previous US administrations, accusing them of enabling Iran financially and strategically.
