Trump Endorses Continued U.S. Bombing Campaign Against Iran Amid Calls to ‘Starve Out’ Tehran

By Brian Freeman | Sunday, July 26, 2026, 4:45 p.m. EDT

Senator John Kennedy said on Sunday that President Donald Trump supports continuing daily military strikes against Iran, arguing that sustained pressure through a blockade and targeted attacks is necessary to weaken the nation.

The Louisiana Republican stated that recent pauses in strikes should not indicate a shift in strategy.

“I think we ought to tighten the sanctions on the sale of Iranian oil,” Kennedy said. “We ought to continue the blockade and starve them out. I think we ought to bomb Pickaxe Mountain and try to reach what’s underneath it. … The president likes the daily attacks.”

Kennedy described Iran’s leadership as irrational, comparing its rulers to serial killer David Berkowitz, the “Son of Sam,” and cult leader Charles Manson.

“They’re more than mildly insane,” he said, urging that the United States should not abandon its campaign despite the costs.

“I don’t think we ought to just cut and run,” Kennedy added. “If we can stand the pain of the rising cost of energy, we need to stay the course for a few more months. I also don’t think we need to send in troops.”