PNN – The world of economics; the war between the United States and Iran, beyond the military arena, has gradually become a defining arena for US domestic politics. While the White House is trying to portray the public atmosphere as calm, there are signs of increasing pressure on the government, pressure that comes from both the economy and public opinion.
According to the report of Pakistan News Network; the war between the United States and Iran, beyond the military arena, has gradually become a defining arena for US domestic politics. While the White House is trying to portray the public atmosphere as calm, there are signs of increasing pressure on the government, a pressure that comes from both the economy and public opinion.
Donald Trump claims that most of Iran’s military power has been destroyed, but the remaining capacity was enough to disrupt the global oil supply, affecting about 10-15% of its flow. This situation has led to an increase in energy prices globally and directly affected the daily lives of American citizens. At the same time, the conflict has met with limited acceptance in American public opinion and, along with economic pressures, has complicated the prospect of midterm elections for Republicans.
According to The Economist, one of the most important challenges facing the administration is not just media criticism but the hard realities of the economy, especially the price of fuel, which citizens are reminded of every day at the pump. Rising gas prices have put more pressure on consumers, especially in states with lower fuel taxes, and these states are often the same areas that supported Trump in the recent election.
Historical experience also shows that rising energy prices can have serious political consequences. In cases such as the presidency of Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter and George H.W. Bush, oil price spikes were associated with electoral defeat. There are concerns that a similar trend is being repeated now.
Trump campaigned on promises to avoid new wars and quickly reduce prices. But recent developments have challenged those promises. While Republican support for the war remains high, it has waned, and there is significant opposition among independents and Democrats. Groups like young people and Latinos, who played a key role in Trump’s 2024 victory, have also been hit harder by the higher share of fuel costs in their spending.
At the social level, the repercussions of these developments are clearly visible. In small businesses and rural areas, rising fuel and energy prices have increased costs. From construction companies to agricultural farms, many economic actors are concerned about the rising costs of inputs such as fuel and fertilizer. These pressures have led to wider discontent among voters.
In politics, Democrats are hoping to capitalize on the momentum. Increased turnout in primary elections and a focus on the cost of living are signs that the movement is gaining momentum. Some Republicans, on the other hand, are becoming more cautious about the outlook, although a segment of their voter base still supports a tough approach.
However, assessments of the future of the war are not uniform. Some analysts close to the government believe that the conflict could be short-lived and lead to political changes within Iran if it weakens its military structures. From this perspective, if oil prices fall before the peak season, the political consequences of the war for the US government will also be more limited.
On the other hand, there are more cautious views. Critics believe that the US government has failed to convince the public well about the goals and consequences of the war and that some foreseeable risks have been ignored. Also, Iran’s continued ability to use tools such as drones and threaten energy routes could increase the economic and security costs.
On the other hand, this war also has broader geopolitical dimensions. In the short term, rising oil prices could benefit some players, such as Russia, while in the long term they could lead to a redefinition of the international balance of power. America’s relations with its allies have also been affected, especially as some allies have adopted a cautious approach to Washington’s decision-making and subsequent demands.