Iowa Republicans Join Push to End Iran War as Gas Prices, Farm Costs Bite
As the war with Iran approaches its seventh month, a growing number of Republican candidates in tight races are urging the Trump administration to bring the conflict to a close. The pressure now includes prominent Iowa Republicans who say the war is hitting farmers and families hard at the pump.
Rep. Ashley Hinson, the Republican candidate for Iowa's open Senate seat, wrote this week that the war needs to be brought to a successful and immediate end. Hinson has also called for pausing diesel exports, suspending the gas tax, and creating a diesel relief program to ease the burden on Iowa consumers and agricultural producers.
Why are Iowa Republicans breaking with the president on Iran?
The Iran war has been especially taxing on agricultural states like Iowa. Oil market turmoil has sent diesel and fertilizer prices soaring, squeezing farmers who were already struggling to sell crops like soybeans abroad due to last year's trade wars.
Two Iowa House Republicans, Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Zach Nunn, recently voted with Democrats on a resolution to block President Trump from taking further action in Iran. They were among three new GOP defectors since the House's previous war power votes over the summer.
Trump needs to present a plan to Congress and the American people for how this ends. I will not vote to keep our soldiers in an open-ended war, with Iowans paying too much at the pump.
Miller-Meeks said that in a social media post the morning after the surprise vote. Nunn added in a statement on X: With the negotiating window closed, sustained combat operations now require congressional authorization.
What does this mean for Iowa's competitive House races?
Miller-Meeks and Nunn represent House districts that Democrats are targeting in November. Miller-Meeks has a history of winning elections by razor-thin margins since she was first elected to Congress in 2020 by just six votes.
Hinson, who is Trump-endorsed, acknowledged in June that the Iran war could become a political liability unless it was wrapped up quickly, according to a recording obtained by CBS News. Last week, however, she did not vote to support the war powers resolution to limit Trump's authority to wage war.
What are other Republican candidates saying about the Iran war?
The pushback extends beyond Iowa. Michigan Senate candidate Mike Rogers said in a video that the war with Iran needs to end, and end quickly, arguing that energy costs will plummet. Michigan gubernatorial nominee John James told reporters that Iran cannot have a nuke, but we need to use every resource at our disposal to bring this war to an end quickly.
In Wisconsin, gubernatorial candidate Rep. Tom Tiffany said it's time to exit Iran and come home to take care of business in America. Ohio Sen. Jon Husted told Politico the war needs to come to an end as quickly as possible so that we can lower gas prices.
How are voters responding to the prolonged conflict?
Public opposition to the war has grown as it dragged into the summer. A late July CBS News poll showed 67% of Americans wanted the Iran conflict to end immediately, including 92% of Democrats, 73% of independents, and 30% of Republicans.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune acknowledged voter fatigue with high gas and diesel prices, calling it an economic frustration. He said he hopes the administration stays laser-focused on getting shipping lanes open to help with global energy supply.
What is President Trump saying about ending the war?
Trump has shown no signs of bending to pressure for a quick resolution, calling the Iran war necessary to curb Iran's military. Last week, he called rising gas prices a very inexpensive price to pay for what we've done.
On Tuesday, Trump left the door open to further escalation, saying he has a big decision to make between cutting a deal with Iran and seeking to annihilate the country. He also predicted the war could end after the midterms, suggesting Iran is waiting to see how he performs in the election.
I believe we'll make a deal right after the election because it doesn't make sense for them not to, Trump said in an address to the United Nations General Assembly.
Will the Iran war end before Iowans head to the polls?
With the midterms approaching, Iowa Republicans are making clear that their constituents' economic concerns take priority. The question remains whether the administration will shift course or hold the line on its Iran strategy as voters prepare to cast their ballots.