A growing number of Hill Republicans are frustrated with President Donald Trump’s ever-changing strategy in Iran, which they fear will cost them their majority in the fall. Trump’s latest threat to seize a key Iranian oil hub has drawn sharp warnings from his party, with several key Republicans expressing deep discomfort with the president’s threat to deepen the conflict without a clear strategy.

Concerns Over Gas Prices and Inflation

With gas prices and inflation spiking, Republicans are worried that the war will become the defining issue of an already-tough midterm election. "I think people are really feeling it," said Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, a West Virginia Republican. "It’s not just gas prices, food prices, and other things, and I think there’s a level of frustration. … So I think the pressure is for the president to reach a peace solution and move on."

Rep. Jeff Van Drew, a centrist from New Jersey, stressed that he supports the ultimate goal of defanging Iran’s nuclear powers, but added, "Get it done. Get out. We need an exit strategy." Other Republicans, including Sen. John Cornyn of Texas, have voiced concern about the party’s midterm message, with Cornyn saying that Trump’s recent remarks on inflation "makes absolutely no sense" and that the party needs to focus on "kitchen table issues."

Party Leaders’ Concerns

Party leaders are also worried about how to navigate the politics of the war, with some expressing concern that Trump’s strategy will hurt the party’s chances in the midterm election. "There’s no question that history is against us," said Sen. Kevin Cramer of North Dakota. "Inflation is as big an issue to voters as any other issue." Cramer argued that Democrats haven’t offered a better solution, but suggested that voters might have soured on both parties.

Some Republicans, including Rep. Nick LaLota of New York, are not ruling out backing a vote to formally authorize the conflict, against party leaders’ wishes, to assert Congress’ authority in the monthslong war. "I think we can lay out the case right, but we haven’t done a good job at it," said retiring Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska, referring to the administration’s ability to make the case for the conflict.

Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.