Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) has criticized President Donald Trump for setting "false expectations" about the Iran conflict, arguing that the administration failed to adequately prepare the public for the domestic economic impacts of the war.

Speaking on Face The Nation, Bacon defended Trump’s recent acknowledgment that national average gas prices have reached $4 per gallon but noted that earlier campaign messaging suggested an "easy fight." This discrepancy, Bacon argued, has damaged the president's favorability.

Economic Impact and Affordability

Bacon linked the geopolitical situation to broader affordability challenges facing American households. He pointed to inflation under former President Joe Biden, which he stated reached 9.1%, noting that Americans have not fully recovered from those price increases.

The representative emphasized that consumers are currently feeling financial pressure at both grocery stores and gas stations. He called for a shift in policy focus toward ensuring wages climb faster than inflation to address these affordability issues.

Policy Concerns: Tariffs and Weapons

Beyond energy costs, Bacon raised two significant policy concerns:

• Tariffs: He described tariffs as a "tax on consumers" and advocated for a shift in tariff policy to mitigate their impact on household budgets.
• Weapons Shortage: Bacon expressed concern that Trump appeared unaware of a weapons shortage, calling it the "number one issue." He cited a lack of transparency regarding this deficit and indicated that clarity was needed upon the administration's return to Washington DC.

Ceasefire Rejection

These comments follow President Trump’s rejection of a ceasefire extension with Iran. The White House announced that Washington would not extend the interim agreement after its 60-day period expired on Monday.

Senate Minority Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) criticized the decision, linking it to high consumer costs and describing the situation as a foreign policy failure.

Brent crude oil prices rose 1.2% to near $88 a barrel on Friday, posting a nearly 24% gain in July, as escalating geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran disrupted global energy markets. The surge follows the interception of Iranian drone attacks by Kuwait’s armed forces on Saturday, which targeted "vital facilities" and caused material damage from falling shrapnel, according to Major General Saud Abdulaziz Al-Otaibi, spokesman for the Ministry of Defense. No injuries were reported in the attack.

The price movement reflects growing concerns over global oil supplies as President Donald Trump weighs new military actions against Iran. Axios reported that the Trump administration is considering striking energy targets in Iran within the next few days, though no final order has been issued. CBS separately reported that potential targets include oil refineries and power plants, which would mark a significant escalation in the military campaign aimed at forcing Tehran to agree to U.S. terms in ongoing ceasefire negotiations.

Geopolitical Escalation

Efforts to reach a lasting peace have stalled, with both sides accusing each other of breaching a mid-June interim ceasefire agreement. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the first round of strikes against Iran on Wednesday, describing it as a response to attempted Iranian attacks on U.S. forces in the Middle East. Trump cast doubt on continued talks during a Cabinet meeting, stating, "We’ll be hitting them very hard," and warning that Iran would eventually say it could not take the pressure anymore.

The conflict may also involve the Israeli military for the first time in weeks, which Axios reported could trigger Iranian missile attacks on Israel. Meanwhile, Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, warned that continued U.S. naval blockade and escalation would not only tighten the lock on the Strait of Hormuz but also close other strategic chokepoints.

Shipping Disruptions

Iranian efforts to disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz have intensified. Bloomberg reported that the Gaslog Shanghai LNG tanker, carrying a shipment from Qatar, was struck by a projectile while transiting the strait. Security consultancies Vanguard Tech and Marisks identified the vessel, while the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) had earlier alerted that a vessel was struck off the Omani coast. Another tanker reported seeing an explosion in the water nearby but sustained no damage.

Strait of Hormuz crossings fell 77% day-on-day to just five vessels, with all transits concentrated through the Iranian route, according to ship-tracking firm Kpler. The U.S. has maintained its maritime blockade against Iran to prevent exports of oil and refined products. As of July 31, CENTCOM stated it had redirected 30 commercial vessels, disabled two, and boarded two to ensure compliance, while permitting nearly 30 ships to pass for humanitarian aid. Despite claims by Iran that it attacked two tankers under U.S. escort, Western maritime authorities have not confirmed the incident, and CENTCOM affirmed the strait remains open to commercial transit.