Trump is again threatening to flatten Iran, a sign the U.S. is stuck in a war it can't easily end or win.

• Trump says he's choosing between destroying Iran, letting it rot economically, or making a deal — and warns he might "blow the entire nation up."
• Iran is still blocking the Strait of Hormuz, pushing up gas and food prices for everyone.
• Israel still holds part of southern Lebanon, which Iran says must end before any peace talks can happen.
• The U.S. is still holding onto over $100 billion in frozen Iranian money, removing any incentive for Iran to negotiate.
• The conflict has spread, with Saudi Arabia now caught up in fighting with the Houthis, and U.S. officials are signaling the war could drag on far longer than first promised.

Outlook: With both sides refusing to budge, the war looks set to keep grinding on, and gas and food prices will likely stay high or climb further.