Iran war costs and elevated fuel prices are emerging as issues for Republican candidates ahead of the November 3, 2026, US congressional elections. The national average gasoline price has hovered above $4 a gallon since mid-June, while diesel prices remain near all-time highs.

Key Takeaways

  • A recent AP-NORC poll found voters from both major parties want Congress to address affordability and end the war.
  • An interim ceasefire reached in June unraveled within weeks, while attacks have since spread to Saudi oil infrastructure.

Iran war costs and the affordability debate

The nearly eight-month war has lasted far longer than President Donald Trump initially predicted. High gasoline and diesel prices have added to voters’ concerns about living costs as Republicans campaign to retain control of Congress.

Oil prices peaked in May, fell in June and rose again in September. The national average gasoline price has remained above $4 a gallon since mid-June. Diesel prices near record levels are also affecting businesses that rely on transportation.

An AP-NORC poll published in the week before October 27 found that voters from both major parties want the next Congress to prioritize affordability and ending the Iran war.

Trump defends the war as fighting spreads

Trump has played down the war’s economic impact and described higher gasoline prices as a temporary cost worth paying. At a Michigan rally, he said he had no regrets about launching the war and that he had expected a larger increase in gas prices.

The president has said the war’s end is near while also threatening a potentially intensive round of bombing after the election. He has said the election outcome will not affect his approach to the conflict.

Iran-backed Houthi rebels have attacked Saudi Arabia’s oil infrastructure and airports, and a Saudi-led coalition has responded with attacks on Houthi-held territory in Yemen.

Next milestone

The next confirmed milestone is the November 3 congressional election.

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