By Mary Ann Paliani
Consider the power concentrated in the hands of a single leader — one individual capable of making an existential decision that unleashes a war engulfing the world in death, destruction and economic turmoil — a decision that can strain international alliances, destabilize global markets, challenge the foundations of international law, and in the U. S., can raise the national debt to unacceptable levels, trigger inflation and seriously deplete military resources. On Feb. 27, 2026, Donald Trump, President of the U. S., issued the order, without Congressional approval, to proceed with a war against Iran. The following day saw the first wave of strikes.
Trump asserted that Iran posed an imminent threat that, in his view, justified an immediate and preemptive strike. He maintained this position even though the U. S. had significantly damaged Iran’s nuclear infrastructure six months earlier and U.S. negotiators were still engaged in active discussions with Iranian officials. Many legal scholars argue that this rationale did not meet the international law threshold for self-defense. Nevertheless, Trump continues to pursue the conflict.
As the war enters its ninth week, the human toll is staggering. According to the Associated Press, more than 3,400 people in Iran have been killed, along with 26 in Israel, more than a dozen in the Gulf Arab states, and 13 U.S. military personnel in the region.
Iran’s retaliatory move — restricting access to the Strait of Hormuz in response to the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports — has halted the transport of at least one-fifth of the world’s oil supply, along with essential goods such as fertilizer. The resulting spike in fuel prices is rippling through global economies. Transportation costs for people, goods and services — whether by car, train or plane — are becoming prohibitively expensive. Industries face existential threats, small businesses are struggling and essential services for vulnerable populations risk being reduced or eliminated. As energy costs rise, so does the danger to human life.
The war has also caused massive infrastructure destruction across the Middle East. TRT World, a Turkish public broadcaster, reports that Iran estimates $270 billion in direct and indirect losses, including damage to oil and gas facilities, petrochemical plants, steel and aluminum factories, bridges, ports, rail networks, universities, power plants, desalination plants, hospitals, schools and homes. Across the Gulf Arab states, repair costs for energy-related infrastructure are estimated at $34–58 billion, with recovery timelines stretching from two to five years.
Meanwhile, U.S. alliances are under severe strain. Trump publicly criticized allied nations for refusing to join his war with Iran — one which they neither initiated nor were consulted about. Spain’s refusal to participate has created additional friction within NATO. Leaked reports suggest the U.S. has considered removing Spain from the alliance — a largely symbolic threat, but one that deepens mistrust and widens the divide between the U.S. and its long-standing partners.
The financial burden on the U.S. is immense. Early in the conflict, the Department of Defense estimated daily costs of $1-2 billion for deploying troops, ships and ammunition to the Gulf. Trump predicted Iran would surrender within days or weeks. Yet as the war enters its ninth week, the end remains unclear, and expenses continue to mount. Beyond operational costs, the conflict is rapidly depleting U.S. munitions. Replacing these weapons will be significantly more expensive. For example, a Tomahawk missile currently deployed costs $2 million; its replacement will cost $3 million. Additional costs include rebuilding damaged bases across the region, providing lifetime disability benefits for injured veterans and servicing a growing national debt driven in part by war spending — burdens that will ultimately require higher taxes or be passed on to future generations.
Given the war’s staggering human, economic and geopolitical consequences, one must ask: Is there any redeeming justification for Trump’s decision to initiate this conflict? Even more alarming: How was the president able to act with near total impunity and exercise power this sweeping and unrestrained, while serving in a system governed by the U.S. Constitution — a body of law built to restrain power?
Also, remember this same man has the power to push the button that launches a nuclear war — and possibly end our world.
Mary Ann Paliani lives in Boulder.
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