GOP Candidates Call to End Iran War Amid Rising Fuel Costs

Republican Senate candidates from Iowa and Michigan recently expressed a need to end the U.S. involvement in Iran. They highlighted the impact of rising fuel costs on states like theirs. Iowa Representative Ashley Hinson addressed voters’ concerns about the financial burden caused by the conflict. She stated that her constituents should not bear the cost increase at gas stations or stores due to the Iran war.

Former Michigan Representative Mike Rogers also called for the conflict’s resolution in a campaign ad. He emphasized that Michigan families are struggling with increased prices caused by the war. Rogers urged immediate action to address these issues.

Hinson proposed several measures to alleviate the situation. She suggested suspending the gas tax and loosening restrictions on ethanol blends. She also recommended creating a ‘diesel relief program’ for farmers and truckers facing high costs. “We need to lower costs now, and the war must end successfully and immediately,” she wrote.

In his campaign ad, Rogers portrayed himself acknowledging the struggles of Michiganders with soaring prices. He advocated for the suspension of the state and federal gas tax. Additionally, he suggested a temporary halt in American diesel exports until the conflict ceases. This would increase diesel supply for domestic use, potentially lowering prices.

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran has significantly affected global oil exports. U.S. gasoline prices averaged $4.48 per gallon recently, based on AAA data, marking a $1.30 hike from last year. Diesel reached $6.51 per gallon. Hinson and Rogers’ proposals aim to mitigate these economic strains on their states.

Welcome to The Hill’s Defense & National Security newsletter. I’m Ellen Mitchell, providing updates on developments at the Pentagon, on Capitol Hill, and globally.

Essential Reads

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth now heads a new Pentagon advisory panel focusing on homeland security. The Homeland Defense Board, initially announced in the Federal Register, addresses a lack of advice necessary for homeland defense.

The State Department has urged Americans in the Middle East to stay vigilant after an Iranian-backed attack on Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The security situation there remains complicated, with potential for escalation.

In conversations, the Houthi rebels assured the Trump administration they won’t target U.S. ships in the Red Sea. These discussions followed the rebels taking key areas along Yemen’s coast, crucial for controlling strategic waterways.

Senator John Kennedy predicted a U.S. withdrawal from Iran within six months. He noted the war’s economic impact but praised American success against Tehran.

Events and News

In upcoming events, the Hudson Institute explores Colombia-U.S. security alliances, while the Center for American Progress addresses the U.S.-China relationship. The Atlantic Council will discuss Black Sea security, energy, and connectivity, as well as European security with Spain’s Foreign Minister.