ICYMI: Memphis lawmakers weigh in as U.S. strikes on Iran escalate tensions

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Tensions between the United States and Iran are escalating after a series of strikes over the weekend, raising concerns about safety in the Middle East and possible economic impacts here at home.

Memphis-area lawmakers are offering different perspectives on the growing conflict.

Rep. David Kustoff said Iran has long posed a threat to the United States.

“I think we all realize that Iran has been a threat to the United States since 1979,” Kustoff said.

Rep. Steve Cohen, meanwhile, criticized how the military action was carried out.

“The president should have come to Congress and asked for a declaration of war,” Cohen said.

The conflict between the United States and Iran dates back more than four decades.

In 1979, Iran’s Islamic Revolution overthrew a government that had close ties with the United States. Later that year, Iranian students seized the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and held American diplomats' hostage for more than a year.

Since then, relations between the two countries have been deeply fractured, with disputes over sanctions, military activity and Iran’s nuclear program.

On Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, the United States and Israel launched a series of airstrikes targeting Iranian military and nuclear-related sites, marking a major escalation in the conflict.

ABC24 political analyst and commentator Otis Sanford said Israel played a key role in pushing for the strikes.

“I think it’s clear that Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel were sort of leading this effort, and in tandem with the United States, to launch this attack; I don’t think there’s any question about it. And he was convinced that if we don’t hit them, they’re going to hit us, and I guess that message got to the president, and that’s why he acted,” Sanford said.

Cohen said one of the biggest concerns now is Americans who may be stranded in the region as tensions rise.

“There’s no airspace with all the missiles being shot by Iran and Riyadh and Dubai. The airports are closed down, and they can’t get people out, so they can be in danger too. If we don’t get something done soon — get those people out — we don’t know if the IRG goes to some country and can take Americans hostage,” Cohen said.

Another concern for many Americans is whether the conflict could drive up gas prices.

Kustoff said the United States’ increased energy production could help limit the impact.

“As it relates to oil and gas and energy, you’ve seen some increase. The good thing is that in the last several years, since President Trump has been president, we are now producing more oil here in the United States than we did previously, and we are a net exporter of oil. We’re producing more here than we import and so that shoulders the burden of increasing prices. We’re not going to see dramatic increases in energy prices because of the oil production here in the United States,” Kustoff said.

Officials said the situation remains fluid as tensions between the United States and Iran continue to develop.