Politics · United States · 5 hrs ago
Iowa voters worry Iran war and rising costs could shape midterms
Iowa farmers say rising costs are squeezing their profits, with fuel, insurance, fertilizer and machinery repairs among the expenses that have climbed.
The state’s farmers also say tariffs and trade uncertainty make it harder to plan what to grow and sell in future years.
Some Iowa Republicans are wary of renewed strikes on Iran, which President Donald Trump has hinted could happen after the midterm elections.
One Trump supporter said a return to war could push fuel prices even higher, while another Republican said he was unsure how the conflict would end.
The war has raised fuel and transport costs for Iowa farmers, and two service members from the state have died in the conflict.
Iowa is a key battleground as Republicans defend a Senate seat and several House seats, while Democrats seek to regain control of the Senate.
Trump has not committed to renewed strikes, and voters will head into the midterms with the war and its economic effects still in focus.
Iowa voters interviewed by CNN expressed concern that renewed strikes on Iran could push fuel prices higher ahead of the midterm elections.
Farmers in Iowa said rising costs for fuel, insurance, repairs and other inputs were squeezing their businesses.
President Donald Trump has said he does not intend to resume strikes before Election Day, but has suggested the conflict could continue afterward.
Some Iowa Republicans criticized the war or its costs, while Trump defended the decision to attack Iran.
The war and rising costs are among the issues shaping political sentiment in a state where Republicans are defending a Senate seat and House seats.
- Who
- Iowa farmers and Republican voters, President Donald Trump, and Iowa GOP Senate nominee Ashley Hinson.
- What
- Voters voiced concern about the Iran war and rising costs, including the possibility that renewed strikes could increase fuel prices.
- When
- In the weeks before the midterm elections; the articles were published October 22 and 24, 2026.
- Where
- Iowa, including Sioux City and farms near Cedar Rapids and Van Meter.
- Why
- The war and higher prices have raised concerns about fuel costs, farm expenses and the economic impact of further fighting.
Iowa voters wary of renewed strikes
President Donald Trump
War and renewed strikes
Iowa voters wary of renewed strikes
Some Iowa voters interviewed by CNN were wary of renewed bombing, with one predicting fuel prices would rise further and another questioning how Trump would finish the conflict.
President Donald Trump
Trump defended the attack on Iran, saying it was necessary to prevent the country from obtaining a nuclear weapon and that further action might be taken.
Economic impact
Iowa voters wary of renewed strikes
Iowa farmers and voters described rising fuel and other costs as a burden.
President Donald Trump
Trump acknowledged there was “a price to pay” for the war but argued the action should have been taken by previous presidents.
Christine Brenden said filling her gas tank cost around $40.
Brenden said filling her tank cost $60.
Trump said he did not intend to resume strikes before Election Day but added that the U.S. might take further action.
El País reported that Iowa farmers were focused on rising expenses and uncertain about whether the elections would change much.
- Brenden’s gas bill
- Around $40 a year earlier; $60 at the time of the CNN report
- Iowa Senate race
- Republicans were trying to defend a Senate seat
- Iowa GOP Senate nominee
- Rep. Ashley Hinson
- Farm costs
- Fuel, fertilizers, insurance, repairs and raw materials had become more expensive
- Farm locations
- Near Cedar Rapids and Van Meter, Iowa
3 sources
What people are saying
I bet it would skyrocket again
He started something, I don’t know how he’s going to finish it. I think it’s time for Israel, Saudi Arabia, some of the other countries to either jump in or jump out
we can’t let Iran have a nuclear weapon
These are hard times. Fuel, insurance, even machinery repairs have gone up and they’re extremely expensive