Sen. Mark Kelly Questions U.S. Involvement in Iran Conflict

Sen. ) on Sunday questioned the basis for the ongoing U.S. war against Iran, which has stretched past its second month. Kelly stated that the United States would be in a worse posture if the conflict had not occurred. He raised the issue of whether the U.S. military would be able to defend Taiwan if China moved against it amid a prolonged conflict with Iran.

” "A conflict that lasts a matter of days or just weeks, I think we're well positioned to do that. " Kelly added that the conflict has increased costs. He noted that the president had said he was not going to start any new wars and was going to bring down costs but has done the opposite.

" Kelly asked. "I mean, this president said he wasn't going to start any new wars. He was going to bring down costs. He's done exactly the opposite. War against Iran. Oil and gas prices have risen due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for the energy industry, amid the fighting.

According to AAA, the current average price for a gallon of regular gas in the U.S. is about $4.52. That is up from about $3.14 at this time last year.

Iranian state media, Tehran has submitted a response to a recent U.S. peace proposal. The Islamic Republic News Agency reported that negotiations between the Trump administration and Iran were focused only on stopping hostilities in the region. The Hill has reached out to the White House for comment.