President Donald Trump was touring a pharmaceutical company in Ohio when talk of the Iran war returned to the Middle East. Despite efforts to turn attention to his domestic achievements, the conflict has complicated his attempts at an economic pivot. The president defended the conflict, stating it was an "excursion" that would keep us out of a war. However, the war has led to a spike in oil prices, which has driven gas prices higher, erasing a key talking point. The White House has been urged by nervous Republicans to offer clearer messaging about the duration of the conflict and its goals, but many fear it will make it harder for them to convince voters. The administration has also been urged not to put a definitive timeline on when the war will be completed.