The Pentagon confirmed the U.S.-Israel war on Iran has cost $25 billion as of late April 2026, and oil prices have surged above $120 per barrel due to the conflict. Takei's point is that the direct military spending doesn't capture the full economic drag—higher energy costs ripple through transportation, manufacturing, and consumer goods, which typically add significantly more to overall economic burden. The U.S. economy is currently growing at 2% despite these headwinds, suggesting the full inflationary impact may still be unfolding as the conflict continues.