Political commentator Bill O’Reilly said Republicans cannot withstand public anger over the affordability crisis ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Appearing on NewsNation, he said Republican candidates were theoretically right to call for an end to the Iran war as grocery and energy prices rise, but argued that the United States could not ignore a terrorist seeking a nuclear weapon. O’Reilly said he expected an unspecified development shortly that would change American views on Iran in a way positive for the United States, adding that the current situation could not continue much longer. His comments followed statements from Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa), the Republican Senate candidate in Iowa, and former Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Mich.), the Republican nominee in Michigan’s Senate race, linking the conflict to rising prices and calling for it to end. President Trump has defended the war effort, while Democrats are making the cost of living a central issue for the midterms. Congress has introduced bills this month taking different approaches to reducing the impact of elevated gasoline and diesel prices amid ongoing global conflicts. AAA puts the national average for regular gasoline at $4.48 a gallon and diesel at about $6.53. Almost half of registered voters in a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll identified the cost of living as the top factor determining how they will vote in the midterm elections. The U.S.-Israeli conflict in Iran has driven energy prices higher worldwide, with Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz identified as the primary cause of recent increases.