Trump Says $4.50 Gas Will Not Sway Iran War Decision

8 articles · Updated · The New York Times · May 17

Asked whether Americans’ economic pain would push him to end the Iran war, Trump replied, “Not even a little bit,” and said he does not think about Americans’ financial situation.
The remark came as the administration has urged patience over the conflict’s costs while Trump says his sole concern is preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
$4.50-a-gallon gasoline and the fastest U.S. inflation acceleration in 3 years sharpened criticism that Trump is out of touch with households absorbing the war’s economic fallout.
The comments add to broader scrutiny of a wealthy president whose recent focus on White House projects, personal grievances and social-media posts has contrasted with rising strain on consumers.

Given the war's negative impact on domestic polls and diplomacy, what is the administration's ultimate endgame for the conflict with Iran?

With intelligence showing no active nuclear arms program, what justifies the immense economic and military cost of the prolonged Iran war?

As the Iran conflict depletes U.S. weapon stockpiles, how does this impact America's strategic readiness against other global powers?