The military campaign involving the United States, Israel, and Iran has reached the six-month mark. The conflict, which began with air and missile strikes intended to weaken the Iranian government, has resulted in a retaliatory blockade by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard and ongoing regional instability.

Economic impacts remain a central focus of the domestic conversation in the United States. According to the Washington Examiner, national gas prices have held steady above $4 per gallon throughout the duration of the conflict. The publication attributes the initiation of the conflict to 'Operation Epic Fury' under President Donald Trump.

Simultaneously, the US government continues to utilize economic pressure as a primary tool of statecraft. The Department of the Treasury announced new sanctions this week targeting one individual linked to Iran’s Bank Melli and one entity based in Hong Kong. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has indicated that further actions may be taken if the conflict continues. While Al Jazeera and Middle East Eye characterize the situation as a 'US-Israeli war on Iran,' the Washington Examiner frames the conflict specifically through the lens of a targeted operation to 'decapitate' the Iranian leadership. There is no indication from any source that a diplomatic resolution or a cessation of hostilities is imminent.