Roger Wicker

Trump on Tuesday announced he was extending the two-week ceasefire with Iran indefinitely to allow for negotiations on a peace deal. But American naval forces continue to carry out a blockade of ships traveling to and from Iran in the Strait of Hormuz, and a third aircraft carrier arrived in the region this week.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Friday that special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, the president’s son-in-law, would travel to Pakistan on Saturday to restart negotiations on an end to the conflict.

But Wicker, as the top Republican on the powerful Senate military panel, cast doubt on that effort even before it began. He has repeatedly defended the president’s decision to attack Iran, calling it a matter of national security.

Wicker’s comments come amid mixed messages from the administration. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, in a briefing with reporters Friday morning, alternated between declaring victory in Iran and pledging to inflict “maximum violence” on the country if the president wants to resume hostilities.

“President Trump’s fortitude is unshakable, and his mission is crystal clear,” Hegseth said. “The president said it again yesterday: we have all the time in the world, and we’re not anxious for a deal.”

Wicker has promised to hold standalone hearings in his committee to discuss the reasons for the Iran war and its impact on U.S. military readiness. Officials have not set a date for the event.