by Misty Severi
House Speaker Mike Johnson on Wednesday joined a growing chorus of Republican voices who are calling for an end to the conflict between the United States and Iran, claiming the U.S. has done its part in keeping Iran from developing a nuclear weapon.
Republicans, including Iowa Rep. Ashley Hinson, have largely cited the cost of the war, including its impact on the United States economy by causing fuel prices to rise, which Americans are feeling in their wallets.
On Wednesday, the average price of a gallon of oil is $4.47, up 37 cents from a month ago, according to AAA. The average price of a gallon of diesel is $6.52.
California leads the nation in average fuel and gas prices. The Golden State’s average gas price is $6.52 per gallon, and its average diesel price is $8.44 per gallon.
“It’s been a priority and an objective of every administration, for 50 years nearly, to ensure that Iran didn’t have a nuclear capability,” Johnson said in an interview with local TV station KTAL News. “Now that’s done. Operation Epic Fury was an epic success. … The world is safer because of it. Now we’ve got to bring that to a resolution.”
Johnson acknowledged the high price tag associated with the conflict, but said he believes the gas prices will stabilize once the Strait of Hormuz is reopened.
“The Strait of Hormuz not being open affects commerce,” Johnson said. “It directly affects gas prices and fuel prices. And also, you know, the price of groceries, for example, because they got to be transported, and the higher fuel prices are a factor in that as well.
“Now, all that said, we acknowledge it. We got a lot of work to do,” he continued. “I think as soon as the Strait of Hormuz is reopened, and I think we’re entering a new phase of that very soon, then the president’s right. Gas prices come back down.”
Johnson did not highlight specific steps he believed the president should take to bring an end to the war, but it comes as Congress is on a weeks-long recess ahead of the midterm elections. The House is scheduled to return Nov. 9.
According to Polymarket, Democrats are favorites to win the House and the Senate. Democrats have a 91% chance of winning the House and a 65% chance of taking the Senate, according to the prediction market company.
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Misty Severi is a reporter for Just the News. Zachery Schmidt is the digital editor of The Star News Network and contributed to this story.
Photo “Mike Johnson” by Mike Johnson.
