Trump Faces Calls from Republican Senators to Escalate Iran Conflict

Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) argued that President Donald Trump must move from diplomatic warnings to direct military action against Iran if the United States is to achieve a decisive end to the prolonged conflict in the Persian Gulf. Scott referenced Trump’s recent statement that the president would bomb “one bridge or power plant” for every Iranian vessel that attacks shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. He said the president’s timetable for ending the war is unknown but suggested that action could come within the next 30 days. Scott emphasized that, because Iran has “walked away from” diplomacy and there are no talks scheduled with Tehran, further strikes may be the only option to degrade Iran’s weapons-production capability.

Washington Examiner

The escalation debate is occurring as U.S. voters head toward the midterm elections, with gasoline prices a prominent issue for congressional Republicans. Sen. Both senators framed the need for a stronger response as a way to protect American consumers from rising gas prices while also signaling resolve against Iran’s alleged nuclear ambitions.

Washington Examiner

President Trump has maintained that the Strait of Hormuz remains “open and operating,” despite Iranian officials’ claims to the contrary, and he affirmed that the United States has no scheduled talks with Iran. Justice echoed the sentiment that the United States must win once it decides to act, emphasizing the urgency of preventing a broader energy crisis.

Washington Examiner

• “This situation in Iran is causing repercussions like you can’t imagine, and I’m a real believer that once we decided to go, we got to win,” — Sen. Jim Justice

Washington Examiner

• “I think we all like gas prices down, and we’d all like not to be at war, but this president’s doing what he’s supposed to do,” — Sen. Rick Scott

Washington Examiner