Senator Mark Kelly says world safer after Khamenei’s death, but warns Trump ‘Hope is not strategy’

WASHINGTON, DC: Senator Mark Kelly said on Sunday, March 1, that the death of Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, was a “good thing” and makes the world safer, while raising concerns about President Donald Trump’s broader strategy toward Iran.

Speaking during a televised interview, Kelly said removing Khamenei eliminated a destabilizing force but emphasized that military action must be paired with a clearly defined objective.

His remarks come as US operations against Iran continue and lawmakers debate the scope and long-term goals of the campaign.

Mark Kelly Trump's questions long-term plan on Iran

Appearing on Meet the Press, Kelly said he agreed with assessments that the world is safer without Khamenei in power. However, he cautioned that the administration must articulate a clear path forward.

“Hope is not a strategy,” Kelly said, criticizing Trump’s Truth Social post in which he said he hoped members of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and police would “peacefully merge with the Iranian Patriots.”

“We got to have a plan here," he said, adding, "I mean, what is the strategic goal, and how do we achieve it?” 

After announcing the death of Iran’s most powerful leader, Trump said on Saturday, February 28, that he would offer immunity “for now” to members of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), as well as the country’s military and police forces.

Trump claimed that many within the IRGC had decided not to fight for the regime and said he hoped they would merge with those opposing it, referring to them as “Iranian patriots.”

He also issued a warning, stating that those who continue to fight for the regime would face death.

 The remarks come at a time of uncertainty in Iran following Khamenei’s death and amid renewed calls for regime change, even as the IRGC has vowed retaliation and warned of “terrifying attacks at US bases.”

Kelly also said continuing operations without deploying US troops on the ground would be “incredibly challenging.”

He reiterated that Iran cannot be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon but criticized Trump for withdrawing from the Iran nuclear agreement during his first term, arguing that the move complicated diplomatic leverage.

Tom Cotton says no large-scale ground force planned, outlines air and naval campaign

Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Senator Tom Cotton, said on Sunday, March 1, that the president does not intend to send a large-scale ground force into Iran. Speaking on Face the Nation, Cotton said the focus remains on air and naval operations.

"The president has been clear that what we should expect to see is an extended air and naval campaign that's designed not only to continue to set back Iran's nuclear ambitions, but most importantly, to destroy its vast missile arsenal," Cotton said.

He acknowledged potential risks, including the possibility of an aircraft being shot down. “The president would never leave a pilot behind,” Cotton said, noting that combat search and rescue assets are positioned in the region if needed. “But barring that kind of unusual circumstance, Margaret, the president has no plan for any kind of large-scale ground force inside of Iran.”