Story perspectives

Senator Kelly Calls Kushner, Witkoff Unqualified, Demands New Iran Team

8/3/2026

Summary

Story summary

Senator Mark Kelly urged U.S. President Donald Trump to replace Iran negotiators Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, calling them unqualified.
Senator Mark Kelly said President Donald Trump should appoint seasoned diplomats and bring European allies back, noting 18 dead Americans, gas prices over $4 a gallon.
U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to bomb “Pickaxe Mountain,” said he halted strikes for a cease-fire deal, and urged parties to “get it DONE.”

History

Historical Context

Talks began in March 2013, leading to an interim Joint Plan of Action in November 2013 and, after 20 months, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on 14 July 2015 in Vienna. Lead diplomats John Kerry and Mohammad Javad Zarif each spent more than two weeks in Vienna, a record for negotiators. Senator Mark Kelly’s call for seasoned envoys mirrors the 2015 reliance on diplomats to secure nuclear limits and economic relief.

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Story summary

Senator Mark Kelly urged U.S. President Donald Trump to replace Iran negotiators Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, calling them unqualified.
Senator Mark Kelly said President Donald Trump should appoint seasoned diplomats and bring European allies back, noting 18 dead Americans, gas prices over $4 a gallon.
U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to bomb “Pickaxe Mountain,” said he halted strikes for a cease-fire deal, and urged parties to “get it DONE.”

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