WASHINGTON D.C March 10, 2026 – In a recent Senate hearing, U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) highlighted the far-reaching economic repercussions of the ongoing military conflict in Iran on American agriculture, particularly affecting farmers in her home state of Michigan as planting season approaches.
Slotkin, a former CIA officer with experience in Middle East affairs, emphasized the connection between global events and local economies. “We were talking, the senator was talking about Iran and sort of right before farmers are starting to think about planting, you know, more shocks to the price of fuel, more shocks importantly to the price of fertilizer,” she stated during the session. She added that the average American may not fully grasp the critical role of the Strait of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf to everyday agricultural operations, such as those of a farmer “that lives down the corner.”
The conflict, which escalated on February 28, 2026, with joint U.S.-Israel strikes against Iranian missile capabilities, has raised concerns about disruptions in key shipping routes. Slotkin has been vocal in her criticism of President Trump’s handling of the situation, noting in a statement that day: “President Trump hasn’t made his case to the American people. He hasn’t laid out the goals or the imminent threat posed by Iran that justifies risking a wider regional war.”
During the hearing, Slotkin questioned Zippy Duvall, President of the American Farm Bureau Federation, on the organization’s stance. Duvall responded by underscoring the urgency: “It is timely to talk about what we need to be doing. We need for our government to use the Navy to make sure those ships can freely come through, work with our partner countries that make sure they come there also, the financial insurance direction.” He referenced past incidents where the Strait was shut down, leading insurance companies like Lloyd’s of London to cut off coverage, causing ships to halt operations. “So, we need to use every opportunity that we have in our country to make sure that we solve the problem,” Duvall concluded.
The war has already contributed to rising gas prices and supply chain issues, with Slotkin pointing out in recent media appearances the direct link to increased costs for fuel and fertilizers essential for farming. Michigan, a key agricultural state producing crops like corn, soybeans, and dairy, could see significant impacts, potentially leading to higher food prices for consumers nationwide.
Reactions to Slotkin’s X post sharing the hearing clip have been mixed, with some users accusing her of fear-mongering or lacking solutions, while others echoed concerns about the broader implications of the conflict. One reply criticized, “All you do is stir shit. How about some solutions,” while another highlighted parallels to the Ukraine war’s effects on Americans.
As Congress debates war powers resolutions to potentially restrain executive actions, Slotkin continues to advocate for transparency and debate on matters of national security. “Issues of war and peace should be treated with the utmost consequence,” she reiterated in multiple statements.
The situation remains fluid, with ongoing strikes and retaliations in the region raising fears of a prolonged engagement that could further strain global energy and agricultural markets.
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