Stephen King says Republicans 'would be screaming for impeachment' if Democrats led US into Iran war

WASHINGTON, DC: Bestselling author Stephen King lashed out at Republicans on Tuesday, March 17, arguing that a Democratic-led war with Iran would trigger immediate calls for impeachment from the opposition. 

King posted on X, "If a Democratic president had bumblef****d his way into a war with Iran and sent gas prices higher than a Musk rocket, the Republicans would be screaming for impeachment."

This comes amid an ongoing US-Israeli military campaign against Iran that began in late February and has now stretched into its third week.

King had called for Trump's impeachment just last month. "Under Article I, Section 8 of the US Constitution, only Congress has the power to declare war, as well as to raise and support armies, provide and maintain a navy, and fund and regulate the military. Impeach the SOB," he fumed.

US-Israeli strikes on Iran

US and Israeli forces struck Iranian nuclear and military sites, resulting in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Trump announced the "major combat operations," citing Iran's nuclear ambitions, ballistic missile program, and regional proxy support dating back to 1979. 

"A short time ago, the United States military began major combat operations in Iran," Trump said. "Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime. A vicious group of very hard, terrible people. It's menacing activities directly endanger the United States, our troops, our bases overseas, and our allies throughout the world."

Trump urged Iranians to overthrow their government, saying that "America is backing you with overwhelming strength and devastating force" and that this represented "probably your only chance for generations."

"For many years, you have asked for America's help. But you never got it. No president was willing to do what I am willing to do tonight. Now you have a president who is giving you what you want," he said. "So let's see how you respond. America is backing you with overwhelming strength and devastating force. Now is the time to seize control of your destiny and to unleash the prosperous and glorious future that is close within your reach. This is the moment for action. Do not let it pass."

Iran responded with retaliatory drone and missile attacks on Israeli targets, US installations in the Gulf, and even Dubai, leading to further Israeli strikes on Tehran. Civilian casualties were reported in some cases, including an Iranian girls' school.

Economic fallout from conflict

The situation has directly contributed to sharp increases in global oil prices, pushing US gasoline costs higher. Coverage from The Guardian described oil surging past $100 per barrel in some projections, with average US gas prices climbing to $3.48 per gallon, which is a 17 percent jump since the strikes began.

Trump has somewhat downplayed the impact. In comments reported by Reuters on March 5, the president said, "If they rise, they rise." 

"I don't have any concern about it," he said when asked about the higher prices at ‌the pump. "They'll drop very rapidly when this is over, and if they rise, they rise, but this is far more important than having gasoline prices go up a little bit."

He was also quoted as suggesting higher oil prices could benefit the US in certain respects.

"The United States is the largest Oil Producer in the World, by far, so when oil prices go up, we make a lot of money," he posted on Truth Social.

A Yahoo Finance analysis warned that even if combat winds down soon, elevated gasoline costs could persist for months due to disrupted shipping routes and infrastructure damage.