Some Republican lawmakers are warning that the Trump administration’s military operation against Iran could spiral into a prolonged “forever war,” raising concerns it could clash with the GOP’s “America First” message and hurt the party politically ahead of the 2026 midterms.
Republicans have largely rallied behind President Donald Trump’s decision to strike Iran, defeating a House war powers resolution that would have required congressional approval to continue military action in a 212-219 vote.
Reps. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., and Warren Davidson, R-Ohio, were the only Republicans to support the measure. Republicans also blocked a similar resolution in the Senate.
Still, some GOP lawmakers say they are uneasy about how long the conflict could last.
Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., told The Hill Saturday he is “concerned” the operation could become an endless conflict, urging voters to “stay concerned” and “be vigilant.”
“Hold our feet to the fire. Keep us honest on that issue,” Burchett said.
Rep. Kevin Kiley, R-Calif., who faces a competitive reelection race, said the “best possible outcome” would be an “expeditious and effective fulfillment of the mission.”
Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., said Congress may need to revisit a war powers vote if the operation stretches on.
“If it’s going to go long, I think by definition, you got to have a war powers resolution and seek our support,” Bacon told the outlet. “I don’t think I’d want to vote for another Iraq thing again, be there for 20 years.”
Trump said earlier this week the operation could last four to five weeks but added the U.S. has the capability to continue much longer. On Friday, he wrote on Truth Social that there would be “no deal with Iran except UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!”
The conflict has also drawn criticism from some prominent conservative voices.
Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., the only Republican to support the Senate war powers resolution, warned that wars can quickly spiral beyond their original intent.
“History is replete with examples of wars that quickly escalate beyond their initiators’ intent,” Paul wrote in an opinion essay on Friday. “America is at war. But Americans don’t want this war. They didn’t vote for it.”
Public opinion may also pose a challenge. A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll found just 27% of Americans approve of the strikes against Iran, while 43% disapprove.
Still, some Republicans dismissed concerns the conflict could drag on.
“I think this is going to be more like Desert Storm,” said Rep. Andy Harris, R-Md., adding he expects it to be “short” and decisive.
Rep. Carlos Gimenez, R-Fla., added he does not believe Trump will deploy “extended boots on the ground,” arguing that if the operation succeeds it could ultimately benefit Republicans by making the U.S. “more secure.”
James Morley III ✉
James Morley III is a writer with more than two decades of experience in entertainment, travel, technology, and science and nature.
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