Since February 28th, the United States and Israel have been launching airstrikes into Iranian territory, and the conflict has escalated into what analysts are calling one of the most significant military engagements in decades.
During these airstrikes. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed. Iran has countered with hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones targeting U.S. assets, Israeli cities, and other Middle Eastern countries. On March 9, Iran’s Assembly of Experts named Mojtaba Khamenei, son of Khamenei, as Iran’s new top political authority.
One of the most profound domestic impacts is at the gas pumps. Before the war began, oil was trading near $70 a barrel. In the weeks since, prices surged above $100, and at some stations, gasoline has topped $6.50 per gallon. The average price has climbed nearly 80 cents per gallon in just one month, nationally.
The Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway through which roughly 20 percent of the world’s oil supply travels, has been largely shut down by the conflict. Analysts are describing it as the largest supply disruption in the history of the global oil market.
But what do students think about this?
Sixth Former Harrison Cross said, “I was initially concerned, because it was the second time in a very short timeframe that the executive branch has gone around Congress and basically started an illegal war. The fact that they seem to have no care or restraint for the legal process of a conflict is concerning to me.”
Cross’s concern about the legality reflects some disparity within the Congress as well. Though a resolution was proposed aiming at limiting President Donald Trump’s ability to wage war in Iran, the measure was rejected 53-47 in the U.S. Senate. Additionally, the U.S. has spent 12.7 billion dollars on the war so far.
Cross believes there is some misinformation and miscommunication that is used for justification.
“Not only do I feel like it violates what the President should be doing…but also [I’m] confused, because the President had said over the summer that his attacks in Iran wiped out their nuclear capabilities, to now hear that he is bombing them again.”
When asked about his view on the U.S.’s foreign policy, Upper School History Teacher Mr. Timothy Lengel contextualized his perspective on the Iran crisis, citing earlier military incursions. Nearly a year ago, the U.S. delivered an airstrike on nuclear sites aimed at wiping out Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
“President Trump struck Iran unilaterally. The President said at the time that we had done that, which makes it confusing that one of the justifications put forth now is to prevent Iran from getting a nuclear bomb,” Mr. Lengel said.
Mr. Lengel believes the conflict needs to be put in context with wider foreign policy, including previous strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean. “The administration seems to be adopting a position that it will aggressively pursue U.S. interests in the world. Essentially [the Administration is saying], ‘might makes right,’ which has not been the operating principle for the U.S. always.”
Members of the school, especially graduating Sixth Formers, will consider the midterm elections as fall approaches. As a history teacher, Mr. Lengel emphasizes the importance of paying attention to the news.
“We don’t know what’s going to happen between now and the elections, in Venezuela, Cuba, and all over the world. Think critically about the extent to which the executive branch acted on its own…so that the United States is in your best judgment.”
Cross largely agreed with Mr. Lengel.
“[I will] look into politicians’ responses and vote according to the people who have been most opposed to the war. I’m going to look at people to make sure I’m not voting for legislators that are willing to support an illegal war like this.”
“We should take steps to educate ourselves.”
Harrison Cross ’26
Cross stands by the fact that self-education on the system is extremely important for discussion, debate, and voting.
“I understand that most of us don’t know what’s going on, so we should take steps to educate ourselves,” Cross said. “Because no matter what, politics will always come up in conversation.”
You must be logged in to post a comment.