WASHINGTON — The White House is quietly advising Congress to stay composed as the conflict in Iran extends into its 12th day, underscoring the importance of addressing the threat that the Islamic Republic poses to the U.S. and its allies.
The administration’s message to anxious Republican lawmakers is that a “temporary surge” is essential for achieving “lasting benefits,” as indicated by a White House official.
While many Republicans publicly support President Trump’s military actions against Iran, there is an undercurrent of concern about the potential repercussions and complications that may arise. Some are subtly encouraging him to find a way to wind things down.
“This is a decisive success. Our military is surprising the world,” Senator Josh Hawley (R-Missouri) remarked during an interview on Fox News. “It’s amazing and historic.”
“Now it’s time to declare victory.”
Lawmakers received projections earlier this week, estimating that the initial phase of Operation Epic Fury cost approximately $5.6 billion. Yet, even after 12 days, they remain unclear on the total expenditure so far.
“Probably dozens of times. [of billions of dollars] but I don’t know,” House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-Okla.) mentioned in an interview.
He also expressed concern about the state of U.S. ammunition reserves, saying, “Whether you’re for Iran or against Iran, we’re dangerously short on some of the ammunition reserves that we would need… God forbid, and no one wants this.”
“Now is the time to do so to rebuild America’s industrial base.”
During their annual policy dinner in Doral, Florida, House Republican leaders discussed strategies for securing more funding for military efforts in Iran, as per Republican aides.
One of the options on the table was integrating it into a follow-up package to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, officials explained.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) has remained silent on how Democrats would react to formal proposals for additional military funding, even as he supports the War Powers Resolution aimed at halting hostilities.
A significant concern for lawmakers is how the war could affect oil prices. Iran has attacked the Strait of Hormuz, a critical channel through which a significant portion of the world’s oil is transported.
This seems designed to make the conflict as damaging as possible for the U.S. and globally.
“The biggest danger for the Trump administration right now is closing the Strait of Hormuz,” said Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wis.). “We can’t leave it open. That’s not good for oil prices, it’s bad for gas prices, it’s bad for affordability.”
“I don’t know what sleeper cells are here… This was not an easy decision for Trump. It was a risky decision, but he had to do it.”
Currently, gas prices are nearing $3.60 per gallon. Before the conflict started, they were under $3.
The price of crude oil briefly surpassed $100 per barrel on Monday before dropping to around $85.
President Trump asserted that gas prices are “significantly lower.”
“I thought we might take a little hit. It’s been less than I expected and we’ll be back on track pretty quickly,” he shared with reporters on Wednesday.
The International Energy Agency announced that its member states plan to release 400 million barrels of oil to stabilize markets amid the situation in the Strait of Hormuz.
However, some Republican lawmakers worry that a prolonged conflict with Iran could push oil prices high enough to alienate voters.
“We’re behind the eight-ball when it comes to the electoral process,” Senator Rand Paul, a long-time critic of U.S. intervention, stated candidly during an interview on Fox Business Network.
“If we keep experiencing rising gas and oil prices while continuing to bomb Iran, we may face a disastrous election,” Paul predicted.
The War Powers Act of 1973 restricts the president from engaging in military operations for longer than 60 days without Congressional consent, allowing for an extension of 30 days.
President Trump has not specified when the war with Iran will conclude, initially suggesting it could last up to four weeks before claiming that the U.S. is ahead of schedule.
“If I want to end it, I can end it whenever I want,” he mentioned in a conversation with Axios.
