'Kill a few chickens to scare the monkeys': John Kennedy claims Trump likes daily Iran strikes

WASHINGTON, DC: Senator John Kennedy said that President Donald Trump believes sustained daily strikes on Iran are the best way to pressure Tehran.

The Louisiana Republican offered a vivid description of what he said is Trump's thinking during an appearance on CBS News' 'Face the Nation' on Sunday, July 26. 

His remarks came as the latest round of US strikes paused over the weekend after nearly two weeks of attacks on Iranian infrastructure, while debate over the conflict's direction continued in Washington.

John Kennedy outlines Trump's Iran philosophy

Kennedy argued the US should maintain pressure instead of easing its campaign against Iran.

"I think we ought to continue the blockade and starve them out," Kennedy said. "I think we ought to bomb Pickaxe Mountain and try to reach what's underneath it... The president likes the daily attacks."

He then described what he said was Trump's broader approach to the conflict.

"He believes that sometimes you have to kill a few chickens to scare the monkeys," Kennedy added.

He also compared Iran's leadership to serial k****r Son of Sam and cult leader Charles Manson, calling them "more than mildly insane." Even so, he cautioned against expanding the conflict with American ground troops.

"If we can stand the pain of the rising cost of energy, we need to stay the course," he said. "At least for a few more months. I also don't think we need to send in troops. That's my opinion, for what it's worth." 

Republicans differ on war's direction

Kennedy's comments came as another Republican senator suggested the conflict could continue for some time while calling for a broader public debate over US strategy.

Sen Bill Cassidy said on CNN that it "seems unlikely" the war would end quickly.

"At this point, I do think there needs to be a fuller national discussion as to how we go forward," Cassidy said. "If the president wraps this up quickly — it seems unlikely — but they seem to reassure that it can happen. OK, that's fine."

Cassidy added that Congress would eventually have to weigh in on the administration's long-term objectives.

"Congress will need to trigger that conversation" about the war's future and its goals," he said.

The US and Iran resumed hostilities earlier this month, abandoning an interim peace deal that had been expected to ease sanctions and help lower gas prices.

According to a report by The Hill, the war has consistently polled poorly since the US and Israel launched strikes on February 28, raising concerns about Republican turnout in the fall midterm elections.

Iran rejects path toward peace

Although both countries have remained open to further talks, the Trump administration has downplayed ongoing negotiations.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Thursday that Trump's new Iran policy is "a head for an eye" after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described Tehran's position as an "eye for an eye."

On Sunday, Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei dismissed any prospect of peace, writing on X: "Today, as the nations of the world have grown weary of the tyranny and oppression of the US government and the criminal Z******s, who are the destroyers of lives and generations, there remains no path forward except j***d and resistance."