Statewide Iowa (RI) — Iran is threatening to retaliate after the U.S. military on Monday blockaded Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz, but Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley says there are still reasons for optimism.
There are efforts to prompt the U.S. and Iran to restart negotiations before the ceasefire runs out next week.
Estimates on the cost of the war are varied, ranging from $1 billion per day to between $35 and $45 billion since the first U.S. airstrikes on February 28th. Grassley says the costs are continuing to mount.
Gasoline prices remain high in Iowa and nationwide, as AAA Iowa says the current statewide average is $3.66 a gallon, compared to $2.99 a year ago.
Grassley says this is an ideal time to revisit making corn-based ethanol blends available year-round nationwide.
Federal rules restrict E15 sales from June through mid-September because of air-quality concerns, and Congress has failed to pass legislation approving its year-round use.
KIWA Staff Photo
