By Emmanuel Bobby
Sen. Roger Marshall of Kansas said Sunday that he believes the most intense phase of the conflict between the United States and Iran has ended, describing the remaining military operations as a “mop-up operation” following a new round of U.S. strikes against Iranian-linked targets.
Marshall’s remarks came just hours after U.S. forces carried out additional retaliatory attacks, underscoring that while diplomatic efforts to end the conflict continue, military tensions between the two countries remain high.
The Republican senator argued that the United States has largely achieved its strategic objectives and should continue responding forcefully to any future Iranian attacks while pursuing broader regional stability.
Senator Says Major Fighting Has Subsided
Speaking during a Sunday television interview, Marshall said he believes the conflict has entered a new stage in which large-scale combat has largely concluded.
“The major war is over,” Marshall said, characterizing the latest military actions as efforts to address remaining threats rather than the beginning of another major escalation.
He emphasized that the United States should continue responding decisively if Iran launches additional attacks against American personnel or interests.
According to Marshall, maintaining a strong military response is essential to deterring further aggression and reinforcing U.S. credibility in the region.
Ceasefire Tested by Renewed Strikes
Marshall’s comments follow renewed military exchanges despite a memorandum of understanding signed last week that was intended to begin winding down the conflict.
The agreement was viewed as an important diplomatic step toward reducing hostilities after months of military confrontation involving the United States, Iran, and regional allies.
However, the ceasefire quickly came under strain.
U.S. Central Command announced that American forces launched retaliatory strikes against Iranian targets for the second time in two days.
The first round of retaliation followed an Iranian attack on a commercial vessel traveling through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
The second U.S. response came after the Defense Department said Iran had launched attacks against what Tehran described as “targets linked to the American aggressor forces” operating in the region.
The renewed exchanges have raised questions about the durability of the ceasefire and whether both sides can prevent isolated incidents from escalating into a broader conflict.
Marshall Points to Diplomatic Progress
Despite the recent military activity, Marshall argued that significant diplomatic progress has been made.
He highlighted a framework agreement reached between Israel and Lebanon through mediation by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, describing it as another indication that the United States is advancing its broader Middle East strategy.
Marshall said the administration’s objectives remain focused on preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons while avoiding a prolonged military engagement in the region.
He summarized those priorities as ensuring “no nukes for Iran” while avoiding “forever wars.”
The senator also linked foreign policy success to domestic economic concerns, arguing that greater regional stability could help reduce energy costs that affect American consumers.
According to Marshall, lowering fuel prices could eventually ease pressure on household expenses, including grocery costs, by reducing transportation and supply chain costs.
Calls for Support of Administration Strategy
Marshall urged Americans to give the administration additional time to carry out its strategy in the Middle East.
He argued that ongoing diplomatic negotiations, combined with targeted military responses, demonstrate that the United States is making progress toward long-term security objectives.
Rather than focusing solely on recent violations of the ceasefire, Marshall said Americans should recognize what he views as broader gains achieved through diplomacy and military deterrence.
He maintained that setbacks are not unusual during complex international negotiations and said isolated violations should not be interpreted as evidence that the overall peace process has failed.
Describes Current Situation as a Fragile Détente
When asked whether the war had truly ended, Marshall acknowledged that the situation remains unstable.
He described the current environment as a détente or temporary ceasefire rather than a permanent peace agreement.
Marshall noted that Iran had violated the ceasefire, but argued that the United States had an obligation to respond in order to discourage additional attacks.
He said maintaining military readiness while continuing diplomatic efforts offers the best path toward preventing a renewed regional war.
Defends Trump’s Legislative Strategy
Marshall also addressed domestic political issues during the interview, defending President Donald Trump’s decision to delay signing a bipartisan housing affordability bill despite its passage by both chambers of Congress.
Trump has said he will withhold his signature until lawmakers approve the SAVE America Act, election legislation that would require voters to present identification at polling places and authorize the federal government to review state voter registration rolls to identify noncitizens.
The president’s position has drawn criticism from opponents who argue that delaying housing legislation could postpone relief for Americans facing high housing costs.
Marshall rejected those concerns, describing Trump’s approach as a negotiating strategy designed to maximize leverage during congressional negotiations.
Election Legislation Remains Top Priority
According to Marshall, the housing bill represents one of several pieces of legislation that can be used as leverage to advance what he believes is a more significant policy objective.
He argued that election integrity remains one of the administration’s highest priorities and said the president is using every available negotiating tool to secure passage of the SAVE America Act.
Marshall said addressing housing affordability and strengthening election laws are not mutually exclusive goals.
He maintained that Congress can ultimately enact both measures but suggested that election legislation should receive priority during the current negotiations.
Cost of Living Still a Major Concern
Marshall acknowledged that inflation and the rising cost of living remain among the most important issues facing American families.
He recognized that housing affordability continues to place financial pressure on millions of households across the country.
However, he argued that concerns about election integrity are also widespread among his constituents and deserve immediate attention alongside economic challenges.
The senator said many voters in Kansas continue to express strong support for policies aimed at strengthening election security while also seeking solutions to rising housing costs and broader affordability issues.
Balancing Foreign Policy and Domestic Priorities
Marshall’s remarks illustrate the dual focus facing the Trump administration as it manages ongoing military tensions overseas while pursuing an ambitious domestic legislative agenda.
With ceasefire negotiations continuing in the Middle East and Congress debating major election and economic legislation, administration officials continue to argue that both national security and domestic policy remain closely connected.
As military operations continue alongside diplomatic negotiations, lawmakers and foreign policy analysts will be closely watching whether the current ceasefire can hold and whether Congress advances the administration’s legislative priorities in the weeks ahead.
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