Venezuela and Iran: Mission accomplished, again

"At the gas station I usually visit on Belmont Avenue, a block from my house, the price of gasoline has risen from $2.69 to $3.59, a one-third price increase in two weeks. It's Trump's war in Iran, translated into the everyday language Americans understand: a blow to their wallets. And this scene is being repeated all over the world."

"But two weeks later, the war continues. It hasn't even reached its climax yet, and it has already affected nine Middle Eastern countries. Despite being the weakest link in a triangle where the United States and Israel are the major powers, Iran controls the Strait of Hormuz, while oil prices fluctuate wildly."

"Experts warn that Iran's theocrats have been preparing for this moment for decades, manufacturing large quantities of drones and other armaments that give them a long-term edge. The United States' military capability is more sophisticated but slower and more expensive to produce. The most immediate example is the Patriot missile system, which helps repel air attacks."

Gasoline prices have surged from $2.69 to $3.59 at local stations following military escalation in Iran. Trump declared victory after initial bombing campaigns targeting Iranian military infrastructure and leadership, but the conflict continues two weeks later without reaching its climax. The war has already affected nine Middle Eastern countries. Iran controls the Strait of Hormuz, creating oil price volatility. The regime's fall, cited as justification for the attack, has not occurred. Iran has spent decades preparing with extensive drone and armament stockpiles, providing long-term strategic advantages. The U.S. faces production constraints on critical Patriot missile systems, with manufacturers producing only 600 annually, creating urgency to destroy Iranian military capabilities before depleting existing inventory.

Read at english.elpais.com