Letters from an American Who Can Take the Pain the Longest?
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Mar 13, 2026 A report on escalating strikes, mine-laying in the Strait of Hormuz, and attacks on tankers and oil infrastructure. Discussion of soaring oil prices and global supply disruptions. Coverage of mounting U.S. military costs, revised casualty figures, and tensions over transparency. An investigation into a deadly strike on a girls school and the political fallout that follows.
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Trump's Confident Messaging Versus Iran's Defiance
- President Donald J. Trump claims the Iran war is "going great" and can end "anytime I want it to end."
- Heather Cox Richardson contrasts Trump's rhetoric with Iranian rejection of ceasefire offers and their intent to raise costs to force U.S. withdrawal.
Strait of Hormuz Mines Threaten Global Oil Flow
- Iran laid mines in the Strait of Hormuz, threatening about 20% of global oil shipments and prompting shipping disruptions.
- Mines cost thousands of dollars but can cripple multibillion-dollar warships, and the U.S. destroyed multiple mine-laying vessels in response.
Oil Prices Could Spike And Stay Elevated
- Iranian military warned oil could hit $200 a barrel as attacks targeted oil storage and shipping, and some regional ports paused operations.
- Reopening production and shipping could take at least a month even if hostilities ceased immediately.