The U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran, launched on February 28, 2026, entered its 33rd day on Tuesday with no ceasefire agreement and mixed signals from both sides about the prospects for talks [1].

Operation Epic Fury began with nearly 900 strikes in 12 hours targeting Iranian missiles, air defenses, and military infrastructure [2]. Five weeks later, the conflict has cost upwards of $35 billion, averaging roughly $1 billion per day, according to congressional estimates [3]. CSIS reported that the first six days alone cost $11.3 billion, with the price escalating as operations continued [4].

CNN reported in late March that the war had "shocked the world oil market" and "pierced a sense of safety" in parts of the Middle East [5]. Iranian forces have responded with drone and missile barrages, including attacks on Israeli territory. Iran announced five conditions for ending the war on March 25, including reparations and guarantees against future attack.

Israeli media reported that the U.S. has set April 6 as a potential deadline to end the conflict, though the White House has not confirmed the timeline [6]. Global anti-war rallies drew an estimated 8 million people over the weekend of March 29-30.

At day 33, the war has no visible exit ramp. The costs are mounting, the protests are growing, and the diplomacy remains stalled.

-- Katya Volkov, Washington