The Iran war is spiraling, and it's bad news for the US military, Ukraine, and anyone hoping energy prices come down soon.

• Putin publicly threw Russia's support behind Iran against the US naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
• Pentagon officials are leaking word that the US cannot sustain a long war with Iran, and that tactical nuclear weapons are now being discussed as an option.
• Germany is blaming Russia for a drone attack at a Leipzig airport and closing Russia's consulate, raising the odds of a wider Russia-NATO clash.
• The war has knocked the US economy off track — inflation had been easing and housing was improving before the fighting started, and both have reversed.
• Russia looks set to push hard in Ukraine, possibly opening a new front through Belarus, while Europe scrambles to keep America involved.

Outlook: Neither side looks willing to back down, so expect more strikes, higher energy prices, and growing pressure on Ukraine in the weeks ahead.