The headlines carry a panicked tone. A conflict with Iran risks driving up inflation for everyday citizens. Media reports, such as from recent NBC News coverage, point to a new Congressional Budget Office report. It details why consumer costs are rising. Analysts point to maritime blockades in the Strait of Hormuz. They worry about spiking shipping insurance and the high burn rate of advanced munitions.

Make no mistake. This conflict is a serious national security crisis. It demands rigorous strategic focus. The United States must bring this conflict to a conclusion that secures national interests and restores stability. Yet, because the stakes are high, the public deserves a clear-eyed assessment. They do not need sensationalized economic panic. To anyone who has read a history textbook, the financial fallout is entirely predictable.