'You can't send 2 real estate developers': Mark Kelly blasts Kushner and Witkoff over Iran talks
WASHINGTON, DC: Democratic Senator Mark Kelly has sharply criticized the role of Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in ongoing US diplomatic efforts with Iran, arguing that their backgrounds make them ill-suited for high-stakes peace negotiations.
“You can’t send the two real estate developers to negotiate a peace with another region,” Kelly said during remarks at a convention hosted by the National Action Network in New York City on Saturday, April 11.
Talks underway amid fragile ceasefire
Kelly’s comments come as senior US officials, including Vice President JD Vance, lead a delegation in talks with Iranian counterparts in Islamabad. The meeting marks the first direct engagement between the two countries since the Iranian Revolution.
The negotiations aim to de-escalate tensions following a six-week conflict and reinforce a shaky ceasefire that has already shown signs of strain.
Critics question experience of Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner
Witkoff and Kushner have emerged as key figures in US foreign policy efforts during Donald Trump's current term, participating in negotiations related to multiple global flashpoints, including Iran, Gaza, and the Russia-Ukraine war.
Their prominent role, however, has drawn scrutiny from critics who question their diplomatic credentials and experience in handling complex geopolitical crises.
A central sticking point in the talks remains the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly a fifth of the world’s oil supply passes.
Washington has accused Iran of restricting maritime traffic, while Tehran claims the US and its allies have violated the terms of a proposed peace framework.
Kelly blamed Trump directly for the disruption, arguing that the administration’s actions had handed Iran a long-term strategic advantage.
“There is one person responsible for closing the Strait of Hormuz. It’s Donald Trump,” he said, warning that the situation could have lasting global consequences.
Trump rejects blame for Strait disruption and cites alternatives
Trump, however, has rejected claims that US actions are responsible for the disruption. In recent remarks, he described Iran as a “failing nation” and suggested that global markets were already adapting by seeking alternatives to the strait.
He also pointed to a surge in oil tankers heading toward the United States to load energy supplies, framing it as evidence of shifting global trade patterns rather than a direct consequence of the standoff.
Mark Kelly criticizes Trump's conflict strategy
Kelly further accused Trump of entering the conflict without a coherent strategy, timeline, or exit plan. He also faulted the administration for failing to adequately consult US allies before launching initial military actions earlier this year.
According to Kelly, these decisions have strained relationships with key partners, including members of NATO, at a time when coordinated international engagement is critical.
“You’ve got to rebuild relationships with our allies… and then get the Iranians to the table for a serious discussion,” Kelly said, outlining what he believes should be the path forward.
