As the conflict between the US and Iran passes the two and a half month mark, talks from both sides about peace treaties have been attempted. Multiple proposals sent from both sides have been declined due to each side’s view on nuclear weapons, and other factors, such as Israel. But what effect does this have on the US and its public?

The Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route that supplies rouhgtly 25% of the world’s crude oil, has been under constant threat by the Iranian navy. Ships have been stopped and even shot at during the conflict. This has taken a serious economic toll on the US, with gas prices increasing by 50% since the beginning of the conflict. 

By now, with no ceasefire proposal accepted by either side, prices continue to rise, and inflation begins. No ceasefire could also mean a prolonged war between both sides, costing billions of dollars in defense weapons being used by both sides, and causing more destruction. 

In the US, the public opinion of the war wavers, with between 55% and 60% of people disagreeing with the military actions taken by the US. This causes unrest and protests to start, with many major protests on halting the fire in Iran, and pulling troops out. Many protestors have also sought to imply the War Powers Resolution, which limits the president’s power to send troops into foreign countries. The act says that the president must notify Congress within 48 hours after sending troops or using weapons against another country, and that Congress can require the president to remove troops. It can also grant the president time to safely remove troops.

Lastly, unrest between nations around Iran has been suffering from this conflict. Iran has attacked multiple countries in the Middle East, along with bombing airports and oil facilities around the Middle East. Iraq and Syria have faced attacks from the Iranians against their oil sites, meaning less oil and higher costs for the Americans. Also, Iranian missiles were intercepted in Turkey, showing how their reach spans into the west as well. 

Overall, the public continues to face the consequences of this conflict between Iran. Prices of oil have skyrocketed, and billions of dollars of weapons have been used against Iran, all while other countries around Iran suffer attacks that hurt the Americans as well.