Paul: ‘We’re worse off than we were before’ Iran war

Senator Rand Paul said the US is worse off following President Trump’s war with Iran, arguing that it has failed to produce a clear strategic or diplomatic benefit. His remarks highlight growing Republican concern that the conflict is escalating regional risks, raising household costs and could damage the party politically ahead of November’s elections.

Paul cited the unprecedented militarisation of the Strait of Hormuz and said it would be difficult to reverse. Iranian threats to shipping helped push Brent crude close to $100 a barrel and the US average petrol price above $4 a gallon; meanwhile, Iranian-backed Houthi threats to Saudi shipping in the Red Sea added pressure on global energy supplies. The White House said military action would continue until the president decided otherwise, while talks with Iran remained ongoing.