Notes in the Margin

"The meeting underscores the urgency felt in Washington to shore up weapons stocks after the Iran operation drew heavily on munitions..."

"While the Trump administration is calling for tanker protection, the U.S. Navy told shipping industry leaders that the sea service does not have naval availability to provide escorts."

Potential buyers are “still struggling,” and “renters are not participating in housing wealth.” The NAR characterized the current market as a crisis because, “the movement is not happening. Americans are stuck.”

"Mr Rubio said President Donald Trump was forced into a preemptive response after learning of an imminent Israeli attack."

The Iranians are sending their cheapest and oldest missiles first, to deplete the US' stock of interceptor missiles. Then Iran will send its newer, better missiles. 

Meanwhile, the administration has stopped claiming regime change is a reason for the war. But instead claims Iranian missiles, which can't reach the USA, are the "threat." 

"Crude oil benchmarks rose more than $4 on Tuesday, soaring for a third session as the U.S.-Israeli conflict with ​Iran widens..."

President Trump told The Post Monday that he’s not ruling out sending US ground troops into Iran “if they were necessary.” 

"While the president boasts... military leaders are sounding the alarm behind the scenes about U.S. air defense stockpiles running out if the fighting goes on" for several weeks.

"Analysts have warned that prices could top $100 a barrel if oil trade is disrupted for a prolonged period of time, or if the war spills over into neighboring countries."