U.S. Senator Steve Daines discussed the ongoing conflict with Iran and recent trends in energy prices during an appearance on Fox Business with Stuart Varney, according to an April 16 interview.
Daines said that the actions of the U.S. military have been significant under President Trump and Secretary Hegseth’s leadership. “It’s remarkable what the U.S. military has done under President Trump and Secretary Hegseth’s leadership. They have decapitated the command and control structure in Iran. They’ve removed their political leadership. They’ve destroyed the nuclear capabilities. They’ve destroyed their ballistic missiles,” Daines said during the interview.
He added that Iranian missile capabilities posed a threat to European capitals, but praised current U.S. leadership for addressing these concerns: “To put that in perspective, that tells us the Iranians had the capability to hit capitals in Europe, including London and Paris. Thank God for the leadership and clarity of President Trump, because we are doing something now, Stuart, that is for our children and our grandchildren, ending a 47-year war that the ayatollahs have wreaked havoc.”
Daines also commented on America’s negotiating position regarding Iran: “If we’re playing poker right now, the Iranians have no cards in their hands… We now control the chokehold on their economy, on their military, their political structure. It’s game over for the Iranians.” He stated that Iran would either surrender or face further action from American forces.
On domestic issues such as gas prices, Daines referenced historical data: “Go back and look at five-year prices on gas in the United States… it’s very realistic to assume this spike we see… we are going to see gas prices at around $4 now will clearly be sub $3… probably two and a half bucks by late summer or early fall.” He supported Secretary Bessent’s prediction about declining fuel costs later this year.
According to his official website, Daines serves as a U.S. senator representing Montana with prior experience in private industry; he maintains deep roots as a fifth-generation Montanan; supports public safety initiatives for Indian nations; advances pro-growth tax policies; promotes sustainable forest management through committee roles; assists Montanans with federal matters; advocates for jobs in energy, mining, forestry sectors; maintains offices across Montana; serves on multiple Senate committees including Finance and Foreign Relations; ran on a platform supporting high-paying jobs; promotes public access to lands.
Looking ahead after his remarks about international affairs and economic issues affecting Montanans directly through energy markets, Daines continues his legislative focus on both national security concerns abroad and economic opportunities at home.