Concerns have emerged within the U.S. Republican Party that funding for the Iran war could run out in three months. As the conflict approaches its third month and shows signs of prolongation, worries are growing among Republicans ahead of the midterm elections scheduled for early November.
On May 20, Tom Cole, the Republican chair of the House Appropriations Committee, warned that the Department of Defense's funding for the Iran-related war could be depleted by August. Cole expressed his concerns, stating, "We are running out of time to process additional budget proposals," adding that he is "very worried" about the situation.
The House Appropriations Chair plays a crucial role in the federal budget process. Cole's comments indicate that the financial burden of the Iran war is becoming a significant issue within the Republican Party.
This concern arises amid declining public support for the Iran war. A recent poll conducted by The New York Times and Siena College, released on May 18, revealed that 64% of respondents viewed the Iran war as a "bad decision," while only 30% considered it a "good decision."
Congressional pushback is also intensifying. The U.S. Senate recently voted to advance a resolution limiting President Trump's war powers regarding Iran, passing the procedural motion with 50 votes in favor and 47 against.
In this vote, Republican Senators Susan Collins (Maine), Lisa Murkowski (Alaska), Rand Paul (Kentucky), and Bill Cassidy (Louisiana) supported the measure. Only Senator John Fetterman (Pennsylvania) from the Democratic Party voted against it.
Since the onset of the Iran war, the Strait of Hormuz, through which about one-fifth of the world's oil maritime transport passes, has effectively been closed. Consequently, international energy prices have surged, increasing the economic burden associated with the prolonged conflict.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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