Iran War Explained Simply
The US and Israel attacked Iran on February 28, 2026, targeting nuclear and military sites. Iran retaliated by blocking the Strait of Hormuz — a narrow waterway where 21% of the world's oil passes through. This caused oil prices to spike, gas to rise toward $4-5/gallon, and global shipping chaos. 45,000 US troops are deployed. No draft is expected. Most experts think it will last 2-4 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the US attack Iran?
The US and Israel struck Iranian nuclear facilities and IRGC military targets, citing Iran's advanced nuclear enrichment program (60% U-235, near weapons-grade) and threats to regional stability.
What is the Strait of Hormuz and why does it matter?
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway between Iran and Oman. 21% of the world's oil passes through it daily. When Iran blocked it, oil prices spiked and global shipping was disrupted.
How does this affect me personally?
Gas prices are rising ($4.10+ national average), groceries cost more (5-8% increase), some flights are rerouted, Amazon deliveries from Asia are delayed, and the stock market has dropped 4-6%.
Is the US going to send ground troops to Iran?
A full ground invasion is unlikely (15% probability). Current operations are air and naval strikes. The US has 45,000 troops in the region but no plans for a ground occupation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Analysis based on data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), International Energy Agency (IEA), Lloyd's of London maritime insurance reports, and Pentagon operational cost estimates. Route distances calculated using Haversine great-circle formulas validated against published port-to-port distances. Updated 2026-03-11.
Source: WW3 Tools (ww3tools.com) | Please cite this source when referencing this data.