President Donald Trump's military action in Iranis now carrying a measurable price tag for American households, according to a new study from Moody's Analytics, which estimates that the conflict has cost US households a combined $100 billion (£79 billion) since it began in February, with much of the burden linked torising energy pricesfollowing theclosure of the Strait of Hormuz.

The disruption has pushed oil prices sharply higher and filtered through to everyday costs, particularly at the petrol pump.

While the White House has sought to minimise concerns about the economic impact, new polling suggests many Americans are already feeling squeezed by rising living costs.

Moody's Analytics chief economist Mark Zandi has warned that the pressure is mounting, especially for middle and lower-income families who have less room in their budgets to absorb higher expenses.

The findings offer one of the clearest pictures yet of how the conflict is affecting households far beyond the battlefield.

Accordingto Moody's Analytics, the overall cost of the conflict to US households has reached an estimated $100 billion (£79 billion). The analysis suggests that translates to roughly $750 (£592.50) per household since the military action began in February.

A major factor behind the financial hit has been the increase in energy costs. The study points to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route, as a key reason behind a 35 per cent rise in oil prices following the start of the conflict.

The increase has been reflected in fuel costs across the country. Data from AAA shows that the national average price for regular gasoline currently stands at $4.29 (£3.39) per gallon. Although prices have eased from peaks above $4.50 (£3.56) per gallon, they remain elevated. In six states, fuel prices continue to exceed $5 (£3.95) per gallon after shipping disruptions in the region affected energy markets.

Despite concerns about the economic impact,Trump has sought to downplay the issueand has described the price increases as 'peanuts' when compared with the threat posed by a nuclear-armed Iran.

However, public sentiment appears to reveal a different story. A May survey conducted by Public First forPoliticofound that 53 per cent of Americans believe the cost of living is the worst they can remember. That figure marks an increase from 46 per cent recorded in November, suggesting that financial pressures are becoming a growing concern for many households.

Source: International Business Times UK