Trump is stuck between two bad options on Iran, and the fallout is hurting oil, gas, mortgage rates, and retirement accounts.

• Trump promised to end wars, but US troops are still in the region with no deal in sight as midterms approach.
• Iran says the talks are just part of the fight, calls leaked ceasefire terms fake, and wants to charge a toll on ships through Hormuz.
• The Strait of Hormuz, which carries 20% of the world's oil and gas, is basically shut, keeping oil and food prices high.
• Inflation fears from the conflict killed expected Fed rate cuts, so cheaper mortgages and debt relief are off the table.
• Gold and silver have crashed hard, hurting the very assets that protect regular people from this chaos.

Outlook: Either way Trump turns, expect more delay, high prices, and pressure on households heading into the midterms.