As tensions escalate between the United States and Iran, residents of Washington, D.C. are preparing for potential repercussions, with history indicating that conflicts often have the most significant impact on the nation’s capital.
President Donald Trump has recently hinted at military action, urging Iranian civilians to evacuate Tehran and hinting at possible strikes on the Fordow nuclear site — a heavily fortified facility that is buried deep within a mountain.
Leading officials, including former Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz, have publicly sought U.S. support, emphasizing that any action taken would primarily serve American interests.
Senator Ted Cruz added fuel to the conjecture during a discussion with Tucker Carlson, suggesting that the U.S. is already involved in the conflict, prompting Carlson to remark, “You’re breaking news here.”
Historically, the ramifications of military engagements have been felt acutely in Washington, D.C. During Operation Desert Storm in 1991, a surge in military recruitment and defense-related economic activity ignited job growth in the capital.
Similarly, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan had profound effects on the local economy from the early 2000s to the 2010s. A 2008 analysis noted that military conflicts in the Middle East significantly curtailed new housing construction across the country, contributing to pervasive housing shortages.
D.C., known for its high cost of living and limited affordable housing, faced additional strain as federal employees and contractors flocked to the city amid these conflicts.
By 2008, D.C. residents had collectively contributed over $20,000 toward the military efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan through federal taxes, despite lacking voting representation in Congress. This persistent disconnect continues to frustrate D.C. inhabitants, who pay a higher per capita tax contribution than residents of any state.
The wars redirected essential government spending, leading to rising interest rates and increased living costs. Between 2001 and 2016, the Pentagon saw over $733 billion in new base spending attributed to war-related necessities, which marginalized local needs in communities like Washington, D.C.
As veterans returned from combat zones, local health and housing systems were subjected to heightened demand, with long-term medical and disability commitments exceeding $54 billion by 2016.
Moreover, Washington, D.C. became a hub for anti-war activism during the Iraq War, with significant protests, including a demonstration that gathered around 300,000 individuals on the National Mall in 2005 and again in 2008.
These rallies highlighted the civic discontent of a populace profoundly affected by high-stakes decisions made without local consent. Richard Allen Smith, a former Army sergeant who served in Afghanistan, poignantly noted in a previous op-ed for Time that, “Washington, D.C., is more haunted than most places… We neglect to consider why they haunt us in the first place.”
Now, as Trump contemplates military engagement with Iran, D.C. may once again emerge as a focal point for national resistance and outcry.
Beyond the economic implications and civic frustration, residents are also grappling with unique psychological and security challenges. Following the September 11 attacks, the city became accustomed to a series of emergency drills, heightened surveillance, and a prevailing sense of anxiety.
If a full-scale conflict with Iran erupts, the possibility of cyberattacks or retaliatory actions could exacerbate these conditions, intensifying the psychological toll on D.C. residents.
Amid these escalating tensions, Trump asserts that he seeks a “real end” to the volatile situation, albeit cautioning that Iran should refrain from actions against U.S. troops, promising, “it would be gloves off” if provoked.
image source from：washingtoninformer
