# US-Iran conflict and domestic political impact > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-iran-conflict-and-domestic-political-impact > Updated: 2026-09-02T02:20:45.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 3. House Speaker Mike Johnson has linked domestic economic challenges to the ongoing conflict with Iran. In mid-August, Johnson identified the conflict as a ‘big headwind’ that has hindered American economic progress, specifically affecting gas and grocery prices while Iran maintains a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz. By late August, the conflict remained a significant political issue for the Republican Party amid rising fuel prices and scrutiny over congressional oversight of hostilities. During a campaign stretch for the upcoming midterm elections, Johnson claimed White House staffers refer to him as a ‘co-president’ due to his frequent communication with the president, while affirming his intention to remain Speaker. In early September, Johnson defended President Donald Trump’s decision to join Israel in a war against Iran, arguing the military action was necessitated by an ‘imminent nuclear threat’ from Tehran. During a press conference, Johnson characterized Iranians as untrustworthy, claiming that for some, lying to those they disagree with is ‘apparently part of their religion.’ The conflict continues to face domestic and global pressure. A University of Massachusetts poll indicates that 54 percent of Americans disapprove of US military actions against Iran. Furthermore, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran has caused oil and gas prices to rise significantly. ## Claims - White House staffers have referred to Speaker Mike Johnson as a ‘co-president’ due to his frequent communication with the president. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The Speaker is currently campaigning for Republican incumbents and challengers ahead of the midterm elections. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Speaker Mike Johnson intends to remain in his position as Speaker of the House moving forward. (single source) - The ongoing war in Iran has contributed to rising fuel prices and is a factor in midterm polling. (single source) - The House failed to reauthorize Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act this summer. (single source) - Representative Gabe Evans cited the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force regarding congressional oversight of the Iran war. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-02: Mike Johnson defends US-Israel war against Iran House Speaker Mike Johnson defended the US-Israel war against Iran, citing nuclear threats and claiming Iranians are untrustworthy due to religious beliefs. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mike-johnson-defends-us-israel-war-against-iran ### 2026-08-24: Mike Johnson claims White House staff call him ‘co-president’ Speaker Mike Johnson claims White House staff refer to him as ‘co-president’ amid a midterm campaign push and ongoing political challenges related to the Iran war. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mike-johnson-claims-white-house-staff-call-him-co-president ### 2026-08-15: Mike Johnson attributes U.S. economic headwinds to Iran conflict House Speaker Mike Johnson told Fox News that the conflict with Iran is a major economic headwind that has disrupted the upward trajectory of the U.S. economy. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mike-johnson-attributes-us-economic-headwinds-to-iran-conflict --- Cite as: US-Iran conflict and domestic political impact. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-iran-conflict-and-domestic-political-impact