Alumni News

Vol. 3 [Alumni News] Two Texas Longhorns, Two Views on Iran: Abbott (FIN ’81) Warns of Security Threat, Talarico (GOV ’11) Calls War Reckless

14 Mar 2026 • 2 min read

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Texas State Representative James Talarico (GOV ’11), a Democrat from Austin currently seeking a U.S. Senate seat, publicly condemned President Trump's handling of the Iran conflict during a television appearance on March 12th, describing the administration's foreign policy as reckless. He pushed back against White House framing of the war as "short-term pain for long-term gain," arguing that the human cost borne by military families is permanent and that U.S. involvement in another prolonged Middle East conflict is unconscionable. (San Antonio Current)
Despite the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei early in the U.S.-Israeli bombing campaign, Iran shows no signs of surrendering and has widened the conflict by launching ballistic missiles and drone strikes across multiple neighboring countries, while blocking the Strait of Hormuz — a critical waterway carrying roughly 20% of global oil supply — pushing crude prices to approximately $100 per barrel. (San Antonio Current)
Talarico argued that resources spent on overseas military operations should instead fund domestic priorities such as education, healthcare, and lowering the cost of living — the issues he said voters sent Trump to Washington to address in 2024, not to launch another prolonged war. In November's general election, Talarico is set to face either incumbent Senator John Cornyn or Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who are currently competing in a heated Republican primary runoff. (San Antonio Current)

Texas Governor Greg Abbott (FIN ’81) cautioned on March 2nd that the potential presence of Iranian "sleeper cells" — foreign operatives who remain dormant until activated for an attack — is being taken seriously in the state. His remarks came in the wake of a Sunday shooting in Austin that federal authorities are investigating as a possible act of terrorism, in which two people were killed and 14 others wounded. The alleged shooter was found wearing clothing bearing the phrase "Property of Allah" alongside an Iranian flag design. (The Hill)
Abbott announced the deployment of additional Texas Department of Public Safety officers and the Texas National Guard to patrol streets and sensitive locations, stating the attack was designed to cause widespread disruption across Texas. He also called for significantly stronger vetting and ongoing monitoring of individuals who have entered the country and may pose a security risk. (The Hill)
FBI Director Kash Patel directed counterterrorism and intelligence teams to go on "high alert" and mobilize all available security assets following U.S. strikes on Iran, dubbed "Operation Epic Fury." Security analysts warn the strikes could trigger retaliatory actions by Iran-linked groups including Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Shiite militias in Iraq. Hezbollah has already launched rockets and drones toward Israel, prompting evacuations of around 50 villages in southern Lebanon, though no fatalities were reported. (The Hill)