Rep. Bice questions Trump’s strategy in Iran war

Ben Felder

The Oklahoman USA TODAY NETWORK

U.S. Rep. Stephanie Bice, among the first in Congress to openly support the Iran war, now says she doesn’t agree with President Donald Trump’s strategy in the seven-month conflict, according to audio obtained by The Oklahoman.

“What I worry about is that we’re falling behind and we don’t have the right strategy,” said Bice, a Republican representing Oklahoma’s 5th District, as she spoke with a group of Oklahoma State University students.

Bice’s remarks were in response to a student who described himself as a veteran and said he was worried about Iran becoming “another Afghanistan or Iraq.”

Bice, whose father immigrated from Iran to the U.S. in 1970, said she supported the military action in the Middle Eastern country but felt it came too late.

“I think we waited much too long,” said Bice, who is seeking reelection. “Do you remember back at the beginning of the year when Iranian citizens were protesting in the streets?

“And people were being beaten or

killed because they were protesting for freedom? We waited about eight to 10 weeks before we did anything. And by the time we actually started launching attacks, the people stopped protesting because I think they gave up ... I think we waited too long.”

Asked by The Oklahoman about her remarks, which she delivered during an Aug. 27 meeting with Republican students at Oklahoma State University, Bice said she wanted the war to end.

'Both Republicans and Democrats agree Iran should never have a nuclear weapon, and I’m happy we finally have a President who takes this threat seriously and was willing to do something about it,' Bice said in a statement to The Oklahoman. 'Now that we’ve crippled the regime, we need to end the conflict and focus on lowering prices at the pump.'

The Bulwark published a partial recording of Bice’s talk with OSU students, in which she said she worried voters had “Trump fatigue” and might support her Democratic opponent, Jena Nelson.

The Oklahoman obtained the entire recording, which included her exchange about the Iran War.

Bice is seeking reelection in what is viewed as Oklahoma's tightest congressional race. Earlier in September, Nelson’s campaign claimed that a poll it commissioned showed an increasingly close race in the central Oklahoma district that includes much of the Oklahoma City metro, along with Lincoln, Pottawatomie and Seminole counties.

Many political observers believe Democrats could retake control of the U.S. House in November, especially as voters express frustration over the economy. Average gasoline prices have risen by more than $1.30 a gallon over the past year, according to AAA.com, while inflation has steadily climbed in 2026.

The Iran War has also become a concern among voters.

Among likely voters, 66% disapprove of the Iran War, according to a New York Times/Siena poll released Sept. 14.

At least 14 American service members have been killed in the conflict, according to the Defense Department's public database, which was last updated on Sept. 23. The war has also caused major trade disruptions and spiked gasoline prices, due in part to airstrikes and blockades in the Strait of Hormuz.

Nelson has centered her campaign on the economy, recently airing a commercial of her standing in a grocery store. 'Oklahomans are struggling,' Nelson said.

Bice's own ads have centered on the economy, including a recent commercial promoting her vote to end taxes on tips, overtime and Social Security. 'Stephanie Bice is making a difference in the lives of every hard-working Oklahoman,' the commercial said. 'It's a difference you are starting to see in your wallet.'

Days after the Trump administration first attacked Iran, Bice defended the president’s power to take military action without direct congressional approval.

“The Trump Administration undertook repeated efforts to seek a diplomatic solution, all of which were rejected by Iran,”Bice said in a March 3, 2026, statement. “The Executive Branch also has the authority necessary to conduct these operations.”

Beyond the Iran War, Bice has been a staunch supporter of Trump during his second term. 'Congresswoman Bice strongly supports President Trump and his work to secure the border, rebuild our economy, strengthen our military and put America first,' Wesley Harkins, a spokesperson for Bice's campaign, said earlier in September.

Bice has voted against three resolutions seeking to end the Iran War, including one last week that was passed with support from seven House Republicans.

U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson, an Iowa Republican running in a closely watched race for the U.S. Senate, has called for Trump to end the war.

“Iowans are being squeezed and shouldn’t have to foot the bill at the pump or the checkout line for the war in Iran,” Hinson wrote on social media.