To begin my posting today, I asked Google AI, what is the status of the U.S.'s war with Iran: The U.S.-Israeli war with Iran has entered a new phase of intense economic warfare after a 60-day diplomatic window expired with no final peace deal . Following initial large-scale military operations launched on February 28, 2026, the conflict is now centered on a U.S. push for crushing financial sanctions, retaliatory maritime threats in the Strait of Hormuz, and persistent regional flashpoints. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ] Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains disrupted and meager. Cost of this war? Pentagon Tally: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reported direct military spending has reached $37.5 billion, driven heavily by high burn-rates for expensive precision interceptors countering cheaper Iranian drones and missiles. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ] Consumer Energy Burden: According to energy cost trackers from Brown University cited in the Center for American Progres...