Senate Armed Services Chair Calls for End to Iran Negotiations and Resumption of Bombing

Senate Armed Services Committee Chair Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) announced that “the time is over for negotiations with Iran’s regime,” urging President Donald Trump to abandon diplomatic talks and resume bombing Iran to destroy its conventional forces and nuclear remnants.

Politico

The United States has been in a two-month conflict with Iran, including a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. President Trump extended a two-week ceasefire indefinitely to pursue peace deal. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will travel to Pakistan Saturday for a second round of talks. War Powers Act caps presidential combat authority at 60 days plus a 30-day withdrawal period; the conflict nears the 90-day limit. U.S. forces have fired about 1,100 long-range stealth cruise missiles and over 1,000 Tomahawk missiles, exceeding annual procurement.

The Hill

Wicker warned that Iran’s “radical successors” cannot honor agreements, citing the death of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The White House said it shifted from “Operation Epic Fury” to a diplomatic phase, hoping the Pakistan talks will “move the ball forward toward a deal.” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared victory over Iran and warned of “maximum violence” if hostilities resume. Wicker announced plans for standalone Senate Armed Services hearings, with no date set.

The Hill

Republican senators Susan Collins (Maine), John Curtis (Utah) and Thom Tillis (N.C.) argued that any combat beyond the War Powers Act’s 60- to 90-day window requires congressional authorization. They called for a formal vote to extend the president’s authority, warning the executive is acting without legislative approval. Some GOP members also hope the conflict ends before the statutory limit, highlighting intra-party tension.

The HillPolitico

The administration’s narrative of a diplomatic transition clashes with Wicker’s call for renewed bombing, while Defense Secretary Hegseth’s statements vacillate between declaring victory and promising “maximum violence.” No schedule has been set for the promised Senate hearings, and the precise timing of the next Pakistan talks remains unclear, leaving policymakers without a definitive roadmap.

Politico

• “the time is over for negotiations with Iran’s regime,” — Roger Wicker, Senate Armed Services Chair

The Hill

• “Our Commander-in-Chief should direct his skilled military leaders to finish destroying Iran’s conventional military capabilities and eliminating any last remnants of their nuclear program,” — Roger Wicker

Politico

• “We’re hopeful that it will be a productive conversation and hopefully move the ball forward towards a deal,” — Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Sec.

The Hill

• “President Trump’s fortitude is unshakable, and his mission is crystal clear,” — Pete Hegseth, Defense Secretary

Politico

The envoy team will meet Iranian officials in Islamabad on Saturday, while the Senate Armed Services Committee prepares hearings on the war’s strategic impact. Congressional leaders are expected to introduce legislation authorizing any U.S. combat operations that extend beyond the War Powers Act’s 90-day limit.

The Hill