The war involving the United States and Israel on one side and Iran on the other is now five weeks old.
President Donald Trump has said the war could end within the next month, and he has adjusted the stated conflict’s goals from ending Iran’s nuclear capability to oil access to Iran’s treatment of protesters to regime change. During his regular visit on KVOE’s Morning Show, Kansas Second District Congressman Derek Schmidt said “however we got here, we are here.”
The president’s position changes on Iran’s nuclear capacity — from obliterated to near weapon-grade-ready — have been scrutinized and criticized since the war started at the end of February.
Schmidt says Iran has consistently lied to world investigators about the extent of its nuclear program and its intentions for nuclear energy. Schmidt also says Iran ended negotiations and abilities to monitor its nuclear program.
Iran has also largely to almost-completely blocked the Strait of Hormuz, putting pressure on oil and fertilizer supplies. Gas prices are still below $3.50 a gallon on average in Emporia, but nationally they are now above $4 a gallon while diesel is above $5 a gallon nationally. Urea, a key fertilizer made largely in the Middle East, now ranges between $700-$900 a ton, up 50-65 percent since the war started.
