The commentary says the two-month Iran war has cost $25bn, killed 13 US service members and pushed petrol prices to $4.30 a gallon.
It contrasts that with roughly $70bn in US weapons for Ukraine over five years, arguing the support weakened Russia without American combat deaths before Trump and Pete Hegseth halted aid.
The piece says the Iran conflict is draining munitions, straining ties with Europe and Congress, and easing pressure on Russia, while European allies have increased support for Ukraine.
Has the U.S. pivot to Iran unintentionally accelerated the rise of an independent and unified European military power?
With missile stockpiles depleted by the Iran conflict, how can the U.S. deter another major war in the Indo-Pacific?
As Russia profits from the Hormuz crisis, what permanent shifts in global energy alliances are now taking shape?
May 2026 US-Iran Military Escalation and Hormuz Blockade: Economic Impact, Ukraine Aid Cut, and Russia-Iran Alliance
Overview
In May 2026, escalating US-Iran military clashes in the Strait of Hormuz, including Iranian attacks on US Navy ships and US retaliatory strikes, threatened a fragile ceasefire and triggered a severe Iranian blockade that trapped over 1,500 commercial vessels, causing a global economic and humanitarian crisis. Diplomatic efforts, including a Pakistan-mediated peace proposal, face deep mistrust and unresolved issues like Iran's missile program and control of the strait. Meanwhile, the US suspended military aid to Ukraine, prompting Europe to increase support as Ukraine intensified strikes against Russia. Russia and Iran deepened their strategic partnership, sharing intelligence and benefiting economically from soaring oil prices due to the blockade, complicating US efforts and regional stability.