The war in Iran is
costing you money.
Here's the math.

The U.S. sent Iran a 15-point plan to end the war via Pakistan as intermediary, according to NBC News, Bloomberg, and the New York Times. The plan included Iran halting nuclear enrichment, dismantling nuclear capabilities, and guaranteeing safe Hormuz passage in exchange for sanctions relief. Iran responded negatively — state media reported a 5-point counteroffer demanding a complete halt to all aggression, war reparations, and formal recognition of Iranian sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's foreign minister said the exchange of messages "does not mean negotiations with the U.S."

Iran's IRGC has communicated ceasefire conditions that include Iranian sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz — with the right to collect fees from every ship that transits the waterway, modeled on Egypt's Suez Canal tolls. Iran also demands closure of all U.S. military bases in the Persian Gulf, full reparations for strikes on Iranian territory, complete lifting of sanctions, and preservation of its missile programs. Only two vessels crossed the strait on March 24, according to S&P Global — versus the usual 150–160 per day before the war.

The Pentagon is expected to send elements of the Army's 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East, according to two sources who spoke to CBS News. Fewer than 1,500 troops are expected in the deployment. The move comes as Iran's parliament speaker warned Tehran was "closely monitoring" U.S. troop movements. More than 2,000 people have been killed across the Middle East since the war began. Thirteen U.S. service members have died. An Iranian military spokesperson mocked U.S. ceasefire efforts Wednesday, saying the Americans were "only negotiating with themselves."

UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned Wednesday that the prolonged Hormuz closure is "choking the movement of oil, gas and fertilizer at a critical moment in the global planting season." Around one-third of global seaborne fertilizer trade passes through the strait. Spring planting season in the U.S. begins in April. Fertilizer prices have risen 18–22% since the war began — cost increases that will work through to corn, soy, and wheat prices at the grocery store by May and June.

The national average is $3.983 today — $0.02 from $4.00, a threshold not crossed since 2022. WTI has pulled back toward $89 as markets price in peace talk optimism, but only two vessels crossed Hormuz on March 24. The physical supply reality has not changed. If Saturday's deadline passes without a deal and strikes resume, prices will cross $4.00 within days. If a deal is announced, prices retreat toward $3.50 within two weeks. Saturday, March 28 is the most consequential single day for American gas prices since February 28.