Montana’s western congressional district Representative Ryan Zinke made the case last month that the financial strain Americans are experiencing amid ongoing tensions with Iran represents the more acceptable of two difficult outcomes — the alternative being a nuclear-armed Iranian regime.

Zinke appeared on the program “Batya!” on May 31, where discussion turned to rising costs hitting American households against the backdrop of the Iran conflict. The Republican congressman acknowledged the affordability pressures but argued they pale against the dangers of allowing Iran to acquire nuclear capability.

“Can you imagine if Iran had a nuclear weapon?” Zinke said. “They could hold us hostage, and we’d have far fewer options.”

The congressman framed the current hardships as a strategic tradeoff — costly in the short term, but preferable to a scenario in which Tehran gains the leverage that comes with nuclear status. His remarks reflect a broader Republican argument that confronting Iran now, even at economic cost, is necessary to prevent a far more dangerous and permanent shift in the global balance of power.

Zinke represents Montana’s western U.S. House district. He recently secured the Republican nomination heading into the November general election. Aaron Flint also captured the Republican nomination for western Montana’s U.S. House seat in a competitive primary cycle that drew significant attention to the state’s congressional races.

With the November 3 general election several months away, national security and economic issues are likely to remain central to campaign conversations across Montana’s two congressional districts as voters weigh candidates’ positions on both foreign policy and household finances.