Local Lawmakers Weigh In on Iran Conflict

Congressman Andy Harris and John Olszewski discuss ongoing war and its impact

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Local lawmakers Congressman Andy Harris and John Olszewski appeared on WBAL-TV 11 to share their thoughts on the ongoing war with Iran. Harris expressed support for destroying Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile facilities, while Olszewski voiced concerns about the lack of a clear strategy and the diversion of resources away from domestic priorities like Baltimore.

Why it matters

The Iran conflict has significant geopolitical and economic implications, with rising oil prices and uncertainty about the war's duration and outcome. Local lawmakers' perspectives provide insight into the political dynamics surrounding the conflict and its impact on their constituents.

The details

After a missile strike killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Feb. 28, Iran named his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, as the Islamic Republic's next supreme leader. Congressman Harris said the U.S. must 'go after the ballistic missile facilities' to prevent Iran from threatening the U.S., while Olszewski expressed concerns about the lack of a clear strategy and the diversion of resources away from domestic priorities like Baltimore.

  • Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a missile strike on February 28, 2026.
  • Iran named Mojtaba Khamenei as the new supreme leader after his father's death.

The players

Congressman Andy Harris

A Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives representing Maryland's 1st congressional district.

John Olszewski

The Democratic County Executive of Baltimore County, Maryland.

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What they’re saying

“We have or apparently have a really have destroyed the nuclear facilities. Now we have to go after the ballistic missile facilities because their ballistic missiles were being developed to reach the United States. That's, that's not tolerable. And again, we have to hope that ultimately, the, the freedom lovers in, in Iran, will, will, went out in the end and, you know, again, return to restore it to democracy.”

— Congressman Andy Harris (WBAL-TV 11)

“While I agree with the premise that we should be going in and making sure that they cannot strike and hurt Americans, this is a war now that has no clear end date. There's no strategy. We don't know what happens afterwards. And so we're finding billions for bombs, but nothing for Baltimore at this point. And so I'm just deeply concerned about what happens after the fact.”

— John Olszewski, Baltimore County Executive (WBAL-TV 11)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.