Journalists David Brooks and Ruth Marcus discussed the ongoing military conflict with Iran and recent U.S. foreign policy shifts during a broadcast on July 24. The discussion highlighted a recent Politico poll indicating that 37% of self-identified MAGA voters support continuing the war despite rising costs, a decrease from 50% in May. According to AAA, the national average gas price has reached $4.11 per gallon, which the commentators identified as a point of domestic economic pressure.
The conversation addressed the recent deaths of four U.S. service members, bringing the total reported by the Pentagon to 18. Brooks characterized the conflict as a potential "forever war," suggesting the administration may prioritize a long-term Middle East legacy over midterm election concerns or gas prices. Marcus countered that political pressure from Congress and public dissatisfaction with economic costs could eventually force a change in strategy, noting that the situation creates a cycle of threats and retrenchment.
The panel also reviewed a new nuclear energy agreement signed between the Trump administration and Saudi Arabia. The deal allows U.S. companies to provide reactors and fuel for a civilian program, while the administration maintains the agreement prohibits uranium enrichment for weapons. President Trump stated the deal is contingent on Saudi Arabia normalizing relations with Israel; however, Saudi officials have conditioned such normalization on the establishment of a path toward a Palestinian state.