The ET GenAI Hackathon 2026 has announced the results of its Idea Submission phase, with the shortlist finalised after evaluating entries from more than 54
Technology

The ET GenAI Hackathon 2026 has announced the results of its Idea Submission phase, with the shortlist finalised after evaluating entries from more than 54,000 builders across India. Shortlisted teams now advance to the Prototype Development Phase

The fast-expanding war between the United States, Israel, and Iran has captured global attention largely because it is disrupting oil and gas supplies from the
World

The fast-expanding war between the United States, Israel, and Iran has captured global attention largely because it is disrupting oil and gas supplies from the Persian Gulf. Yet another resource is now emerging as far more critical to the survival of the region’s societies. Water

Indian technology stocks have seen an unprecedented rout over the past few weeks over fears of artificial intelligence upending the traditional outsourcing
World

Indian technology stocks have seen an unprecedented rout over the past few weeks over fears of artificial intelligence upending the traditional outsourcing model that powers the country's $300bn (£223bn) back-office industry. The sell-off - part of a global correction in traditional software and

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on Monday managed an easy victory in the biennial polls to five Rajya Sabha seats in
Politics

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on Monday managed an easy victory in the biennial polls to five Rajya Sabha seats in Bihar, with its candidates including Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and BJP national president Nitin Nabin

Star Brazilian forward Neymar didn’t receive a call-up to the national team squad for the upcoming friendlies against France and Croatia
Latest News

Star Brazilian forward Neymar didn’t receive a call-up to the national team squad for the upcoming friendlies against France and Croatia, although striker Endrick found a spot. With this snub, Neymar’s hopes of playing at the upcoming FIFA World Cup have received a massive blow

If one wants to explore the many debates and controversies surrounding the Congress and its role in shaping India’s political trajectory
Politics

If one wants to explore the many debates and controversies surrounding the Congress and its role in shaping India’s political trajectory, there may soon be a new address in the capital to turn to. At 3, Safdarjung Lane, the official residence of Nishikant Dubey — the Bharatiya Janata Party MP

Chelsea</b> have been handed a Premier League </b>record fine of £10.75m</b> and a suspended transfer ban.</b> It was a result of the
Sports

Chelsea have been handed a Premier League record fine of £10.75m and a suspended transfer ban. It was a result of the club making secret payments to unregistered agents and third-parties over transfers between 2011 and 2018. But it could have been a lot worse

Iran’s National Security Chief Ali Larijani on Monday penned a note to Muslim countries, questioning their lack of support for Tehran as the US-Israeli war
World

Iran’s National Security Chief Ali Larijani on Monday penned a note to Muslim countries, questioning their lack of support for Tehran as the US-Israeli war is now entering its third week with no clear end in sight, disrupting global energy supplies and raising fears of a spike in global inflation

Trump voters back him on Iran - but that could change if war drags on

Posted By: Tarun Kumar Posted On: Mar 04, 2026Share Article
Trump voters back him on Iran - but that could change if war drags on

The US strikes on Iran may be the biggest story around the world, but in Texas – where voters head to the polls on Tuesday to select the Democratic and Republican nominees in November's midterm congressional elections – it appears mostly to be an afterthought. At least for now.

At a banquet hall in the central Texas town of Waco on Monday, Ken Paxton, the Republican state attorney general running for the US Senate, made a pitch to voters that was heavy on domestic red meat for his conservative audience

Immigration, government spending and gun rights were top issues. Iran was mentioned in passing, as Paxton praised Americans for making political change with ballots not bombs.

After the event, Paxton spoke to reporters, who pressed him on his views on the ongoing military conflict. The candidate, who has a firmly established reputation as a Donald Trump loyalist, did not break ranks with the US president.

I am very glad that he did it," he said. "Iran is a great threat to our country.

The Senate primary fights are the marquee matchup in Texas on Tuesday, with contested races for both the Democrats and Republicans. While those on the left have been comfortable criticising Trump and his decision to launch the Iran operation, Republicans have tended, like Paxton, to offer praise of Trump and then move on to other topics.

Senator John Cornyn, the incumbent who is being challenged by Paxton, said Trump took "decisive action". Congressman Wesley Hunt, who is also challenging for the seat, celebrated Trump accomplishing "peace through American strength" in a Saturday afternoon post on X.

Among many of the Waco rally attendees, that was a common theme. Marcia Michael said she believed Trump was playing "five-dimensional chess" by finally addressing the threat that Iran had posed for decades.

I think we recognise that we can't keep playing this game and kicking the can down the road," she said. "This is the investment we have to make now in blood and tears so that we don't pay later that same cost in greater numbers.

If there were any hints of concern at the Paxton event, it was that this operation – and warfare in general – has unintended consequences.

The Middle East, it's always in turmoil, and it's always going to be in turmoil," said Mark Plough. "We don't want to end up in a quagmire like we were in Afghanistan or even in Iraq.

In such comments there may be the seeds of trouble for Trump. He made minimal effort over the recent months to lay the groundwork for an extended military campaign against Iran – having also campaigned both in 2024 and in 2016 as a sharp critic of "forever wars" in the Middle East.

In last week's State of the Union address, Iran came near the end of the nearly two-hour speech and only merited a few minutes of his attention. While he has released two videos following Saturday's strikes, he has yet to make an address to the nation.

If this is war, it is one that is being conducted on the down-low.

That could partly explain why the public's overall response to the Iran strikes has been muted and why, among Trump supporters here in Texas, there is a belief that the president will wrap up the bombing campaign relatively quickly.

While this is just the latest action in a lengthening list of American military operations in Trump's second term, the other instances have been more limited affairs. Last year's strike on Iran's nuclear facilities, for instance, was a one-night affair. Last month's capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro likewise began and ended while many Americans were sleeping.

These Iran strikes are different. They have already stretched into multiple days - and Trump has said they could last weeks. But for the moment, the American public may view the campaign as a similarly contained undertaking that will, at some point soon, be concluded with few lingering ill effects.

What we've seen with this president is he is very deliberate and specific in launching targeted strikes against known high-value targets," said Aaron Reitz, a former Marine and Trump administration official who is running to replace Paxton as attorney general. "I trust that the president is not going to want to get us involved in a never-ending ground war.

That could end up the case. There is the possibility, as the Trump administration clearly hopes, that the end result will be a safer world, with the current Iranian regime replaced by leaders who are friendly to America and its interests.

But there are other scenarios where the political fallout from this operation is more difficult for Trump to manage.

If oil prices continue to spike, driving up the cost of petrol and hurting the US economy, Americans will take note. Just last week Trump boasted of low prices at the pump in his State of the Union address.

If the Iranian operation triggers a surge of militant attacks against Americans or their interests, either abroad or within the US, that too will exact a toll on the president.

And if the ending of this operation is not clean, if hardliners take over Iran, if the region is further destabilised and there's no quick resolution in sight, the consequences could be severe.

That could by why Trump administration administration officials have gone to great lengths to emphasis that this is not an open-ended conflict.

This is not endless," Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Monday. "Our generation knows better, and so does this president. He called the last 20 years of nation-building wars dumb – and he's right. This is the opposite.

The American public may not be fully convinced, however. Already, it is sharply split over the wisdom of these strikes. A Morning Consult survey found 41% of Americans in favour of the attack, versus 42% who wanted more diplomatic efforts. In a Reuters-Ipsos poll, it was 27% in support and 43% opposed.

That was before six American soldiers were killed in action, with Trump warning that there may be more deaths to come.

Outside the banquet hall after the Paxton event had ended, Paul Barbieri and a friend stood by their pickup truck wondering what all the commotion had been about. The two construction workers were looking for lunch, not a political event, but Barbieri said that he had been following news from the Middle East closely.

The attacks were "probably necessary", he said, but he didn't like Americans fighting on foreign soil.

I grew up through the Iraq War for 20-something years," he said. "I knew people went and died there. I don't like war at all.

Follow the twists and turns of Trump's second term with North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher's weekly US Politics Unspun newsletter. Readers in the UK can sign up here. Those outside the UK can sign up here.

Comment on Post

Leave a comment

If you have a News Orbit 360 user account, your address will be used to display your profile picture.


Nagaon MP Pradyut Bordoloi expressed strong displeasure over Dr. Asif Nazar being considered for the Lahorighat Assembly ticket, citing Nazar's alleged
Politics
Nagaon MP Pradyut Bordoloi opposes Congress move to consider Dr Asif Nazar for Lahorighat ticket

Nagaon MP Pradyut Bordoloi expressed strong displeasure over Dr. Asif Nazar being considered for the Lahorighat Assembly ticket, citing Nazar's alleged association with an individual charged in an attack on Bordoloi. Bordoloi wrote to AICC General Secretary Jitendra Singh

5 hours ago

A sessions court in Gujarat’s Gir Somnath district on Monday convicted five persons and acquitted 35 others in connection with a 2016 case in which seven
World
Gujarat court convicts five

A sessions court in Gujarat’s Gir Somnath district on Monday convicted five persons and acquitted 35 others in connection with a 2016 case in which seven Dalits were assaulted in the town of Una, The Indian Express reported. Additional Sessions Judge Jignesh Pandya of the court in Veraval

5 hours ago

It's Hollywood's biggest night. The 98th Academy Awards featured emotional speeches, comical relief and a bevy of backstage fun. But it was perhaps a night to
Life Style
Key Oscars moments as snubbed Chalamet becomes butt of jokes

It's Hollywood's biggest night. The 98th Academy Awards featured emotional speeches, comical relief and a bevy of backstage fun. But it was perhaps a night to forget for Timothée Chalamet. As well as losing out to Michael B Jordan for best actor and One Battle After Another for best picture

5 hours ago

US President Donald Trump on Monday said more than 30 mine laying ships of Iran have been destroyed which has affected Tehran’s capacity to threaten
World
Trump Says US Destroyed Over 30 Iranian Mine Laying Ships In Strait Of Hormuz

US President Donald Trump on Monday said more than 30 mine laying ships of Iran have been destroyed which has affected Tehran’s capacity to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. “We are hammering their capacity to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz with more

5 hours ago

<h4 class=
Horoscope
Love and Relationship Horoscope Today for March 17

Love Horoscope Today for March 17, 2026: A spontaneous moment could lead to a meaningful connectionLove Horoscope Today, March 17, 2026: Find daily astrological predictions for all sun signs. Published on: Mar 17, 2026 7:28 AM IST By Neeraj Dhankher Share via Copy link Aries: Mars is pushing you to

5 hours ago

<h4 class=
Latest News
Dubai arrests drone strike survivors after they sent blast pics to loved ones

Dubai arrests Iranian drone strike survivors after they sent explosion photos to loved ones3 foreigner nationals who survived drone strike in Dubai have been arrested after sending photos of the explosions to family members. Updated on: Mar 16

5 hours ago

<h4 class=
Technology
Firms need to move to adaptive

‘Firms need to move to adaptive, energy-efficient AI models’Sarah Hooker is convinced that the future lies in AI systems that use less computing power, cost less to run and can adapt to the needs of users. Published on: Mar 17, 2026 6:58 AM IST By Shweta Taneja Share via Copy link In the last

5 hours ago

Baghdad witnessed a significant drone and rocket attack on the U.S. embassy early Tuesday. This incident marks the most intense assault since the commencement
World
US embassy in Baghdad targeted with drones

Baghdad witnessed a significant drone and rocket attack on the U.S. embassy early Tuesday. This incident marks the most intense assault since the commencement of the U.S.-Israel war with Iran. Iraqi security forces have heightened their presence across the capital. The Green Zone

5 hours ago

<h4 class=
Sports
Chiefs hand a shock to Russell Wilson with Justin Fields move

Russell Wilson trade update: Chiefs hand a shock to Giants QB with Justin Fields move Published on: Mar 17, 2026 5:03 AM IST By Khushi Arora Share via Copy link New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (3) waves to fans after the game against the Dallas Cowboys (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

5 hours ago

London [UK], March 17 (ANI): The Premier League has completed a disciplinary process with Chelsea FC in respect of historical breaches relating to Financial
Latest News
Chelsea fined and faces supended transfer ban by Premier League

London [UK], March 17 (ANI): The Premier League has completed a disciplinary process with Chelsea FC in respect of historical breaches relating to Financial Reporting and Third Party Investment.In 2022, Chelsea FC’s current owners voluntarily reported to the League that they had evidence of

5 hours ago

A Bengaluru-based cafe has drawn attention on social media after adding a 5 per cent “Gas Crisis Charge
Latest News
Did They Boil It

A Bengaluru-based cafe has drawn attention on social media after adding a 5 per cent “Gas Crisis Charge" to a customer’s lemonade order, sparking debate on social media platform X. The unusual fee, applied on a bill for two mint lemonades, has left many users amused and some questioning its

5 hours ago

Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.<h4 class=
Latest News
Still using an older laptop

Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.Still using an older laptop? These Intel 13th Gen laptops show what modern performance feels likeIntel 13th Gen laptops bring improved performance

5 hours ago

US President Donald Trump said on Monday that he is planning to delay a high stakes visit to China later in March by about a month because of the Iran war
Business
Trump seeks to delay meeting with Xi in China

US President Donald Trump said on Monday that he is planning to delay a high stakes visit to China later in March by about a month because of the Iran war. "We've requested that we delay it a month or so," he told reporters at the White House

5 hours ago

<h4 class=
Latest News
LDF ally ISJD

LDF ally ISJD, UDF ally RSP name candidates for four seats eachThe ISJD and RSP announced their candidates for Kerala Assembly polls, with ISJD's K Krishnankutty retiring from politics and RSP seeking assembly representation. Published on: Mar 17, 2026 7:30 AM IST By Vishnu Varma

5 hours ago

<h4 class=
Horoscope
Daily astrological prediction for March 17

Horoscope Today, March 17, 2026: Operational strategies at work need refinementHoroscope Today: Read the astrological predictions for each zodiac sign based on an expert's guidance on March 17, 2026. Published on: Mar 17, 2026 7:19 AM IST By Dr Prem Kumar Sharma

5 hours ago

Viswanathan Anand has defended Cyprus as the host of the upcoming FIDE Candidates Tournament, saying the island nation offers a high-quality setting for one of
Sports
Viswanathan Anand Defends Cyprus As Candidates Host Despite West Asia Conflict

Viswanathan Anand has defended Cyprus as the host of the upcoming FIDE Candidates Tournament, saying the island nation offers a high-quality setting for one of chess’ most important events despite concerns over regional tensions. Cyprus has been in focus due to its proximity to the evolving Gulf

5 hours ago

A parliamentary panel has flagged the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment for surrendering nearly a quarter of funds sanctioned for Scheduled Caste
Politics
Parliamentary panel flags surrender of ₹2

A parliamentary panel has flagged the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment for surrendering nearly a quarter of funds sanctioned for Scheduled Caste welfare schemes. The committee found the ministry's inability to utilize allocated funds and its consistent budget scaling down at revised

5 hours ago

Fino Payments Bank clarifies the ongoing probe relates only to certain programme managers and merchants associated with multiple banks
Latest News
Fino Payments Bank Shares Fall To 52-Week Low Amid Probe Reports

Fino Payments Bank clarifies the ongoing probe relates only to certain programme managers and merchants associated with multiple banks. Also Read :10 people dead after fire breaks out at Odisha’s Cuttack SCB Medical College; CM announces Rs 25 lakh ex-gratia assistanceFino Payments Bank clarifies

5 hours ago

When the daytime air feels like an oven and night brings no relief, people in Karachi, Pakistan, say the heat “goes straight to the head”
World
Suffocation, dread and exhaustion

When the daytime air feels like an oven and night brings no relief, people in Karachi, Pakistan, say the heat “goes straight to the head”. They mean more than dizziness or sweat. It’s the creeping panic of a body that cannot cool down: restless nights, frayed tempers, a household on edge

5 hours ago

Dozens of people are feared dead or injured at a drug treatment centre in Kabul, Afghanistan after an air strike that the Taliban government blamed on Pakistan
World
Afghanistan accuses Pakistan of killing hundreds in hospital strike

Dozens of people are feared dead or injured at a drug treatment centre in Kabul, Afghanistan after an air strike that the Taliban government blamed on Pakistan. The hospital was hit on Monday evening, killing some people and injuring others, the government's spokesman said on X

5 hours ago

The report from Elara Capital said retail gasoline and diesel prices “could be fully protected through excise cuts until roughly $110/bbl
Latest News
India has tax buffer to avoid retail fuel price hike up to $110 a barrel

The report from Elara Capital said retail gasoline and diesel prices “could be fully protected through excise cuts until roughly $110/bbl, beyond which price hikes on diesel and gasoline would become inevitable”. Also Read :Fino Payments Bank Shares Fall To 52-Week Low Amid Probe Reports;

5 hours ago

<h4 class=
Entertainment
Karan Johar reveals his 9-year-old son Yash wants to pay rent to him

Shocked Karan Johar reveals his 9-year-old son Yash's ‘business proposal’ as he wants to pay rent to him. WatchKaran Johar and his son Yash had a fun conversation as they discussed a business proposal. Watch their banter here. Mar 17, 2026, 06:00:58 IST By Ananya Das Share via Copy link

5 hours ago

<h4 class=
Latest News
Punjab Assembly session

Punjab Assembly session: House passes motion against LoP Bajwa over ‘band player’ remarkThe Punjab assembly condemned opposition leader Partap Singh Bajwa for alleged derogatory remarks about a minister, leading to chaos and a walkout by Congress. Published on: Mar 17

5 hours ago

More than a thousand citizens in Ladakh's Leh and Kargil regions rallied on Monday, echoing calls for statehood and adherence to the Sixth Schedule
World
Thousands rally in Leh

More than a thousand citizens in Ladakh's Leh and Kargil regions rallied on Monday, echoing calls for statehood and adherence to the Sixth Schedule. Leaders from the Apex Body Leh alongside the Kargil Democratic Alliance expressed their discontent regarding the central government's stance

5 hours ago

Menstrual pain is often dismissed as an inevitable part of being a woman. But when cramps become debilitating, interfere with daily life or are accompanied by
Life Style
Endometriosis Awareness

Menstrual pain is often dismissed as an inevitable part of being a woman. But when cramps become debilitating, interfere with daily life or are accompanied by chronic pelvic discomfort, they may signal something more serious. One such condition is endometriosis – a long-term disorder affecting

5 hours ago

<h4 class=
Entertainment
Khushbu Sundar comes out in support of Trisha amid her viral pics with Vijay

Khushbu Sundar comes out in support of Trisha amid her viral pics with Vijay: ‘She is one of the most dignified women’Khushbu Sundar has addressed the online chatter surrounding the public appearance of Vijay and Trisha Krishnan, after the divorce petition filed by Sangeeta. Mar 17, 2026

5 hours ago

<h4 class=
Sports
Rex Culpepper's fiancee pays sweet tribute after tragic death

Rex Culpepper's fiancee pays sweet tribute after tragic bike accident death: ‘I don’t regret' Published on: Mar 17, 2026 4:55 AM IST By Yash Nitish Bajaj Share via Copy link Former Syracuse quarterback Rex Culpepper died after an accident on Saturday (Instagram/Rex Culpepper) Rex Culpepper

5 hours ago


Sing Up