Five months after the United States and Israel initiated a war against Iran, the conflict has not reached a resolution of victory, defeat, or peace. The fighting began with the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader in opening strikes, and has seen ceasefires break down and the Strait of Hormuz closed and re-opened.
Across the United States, the war's effects are being felt by voters through increased costs at the fuel pump and on grocery bills. The average price of gasoline has risen above $4 a gallon for the first time in years, according to AAA. These price increases disproportionately affect lower- and middle-income households, which spend a larger portion of their budgets on fuel.
Beyond economic impacts, the conflict has also led to military deployments, with some individuals reporting short-notice calls to service. The ongoing war in Iran is occurring while the US is still managing the aftermath of Israel's war on Gaza, which was funded by billions of US dollars.