Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., said Sunday that President Trump should address the American people in a nationwide speech explaining why the United States entered the war with Iran, what the military campaign is accomplishing, and how the conflict is expected to end.

“I think the American people deserve a national address from the president explaining why we went in, what we’re accomplishing, and how this ends,” Kennedy said.

The Louisiana Republican said he is particularly concerned about the potential impact of the conflict on energy prices. He pointed to the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route, and warned that continued disruption could drive gasoline and other energy costs higher for Americans.

Kennedy said the United States should focus on applying pressure to Iran through sanctions and a blockade while working to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. He also argued that Iran remains a major threat and described the country as “a sucking chest wound.”

Kennedy declined to speculate about whether the administration could resume bombing Iran after the midterm elections, saying he had not reviewed the classified intelligence that would inform such a decision.

The senator said Americans are primarily concerned about the cost of living and that the administration needs to explain how the Iran conflict fits into its broader objectives. He suggested Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Gen. Dan Caine could provide that explanation if Trump does not deliver a national address.

Kennedy emphasized that Trump does not take orders from him, but said he would continue offering his recommendations to the president as the war develops.