Rising war risk with Iran is driving up gas and grocery prices, squeezing struggling Americans while big companies profit — bad news for households.

• Iran has drawn a "red line" over the Strait of Hormuz and warns it will hit back hard if the US strikes its infrastructure, while Trump leans toward expanding military action.
• Any move to block or fight over Hormuz could choke off oil and shake the whole world economy; diesel just hit $5 and is up 33% since the fighting began.
• Grocery prices are up 33% since 2019, and 80% of Americans say they are trying to spend less, with many switching to cheaper brands and using more coupons.
• While people cut back on food, big insurer United Health beat earnings and raised its outlook, and Wall Street cashed in on the SpaceX IPO.
• The Pentagon, under Hegseth, is rolling out testosterone screening for all troops — a manosphere-flavored move that critics see as a distraction from real problems.

Outlook: Expect gas and food prices to keep climbing if the Iran standoff escalates, with pressure building on Congress ahead of the midterms.