Starting on February 28, 2026. Israel and the United States ordered attacks on Iran. Dubbed “Operation Epic Fury,” these attacks, initiated by President Trump, killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and caused massive damage to Iranian infrastructure and government. Even with a current ceasefire and peace talks continuing, the impact of this war is already being felt globally. Students may not realize it, but their world is also changing in subtle ways.
The most obvious change most students have already complained about is the increase in gas prices. This is a national trend, with prices nearly doubling in many parts of the country. In Missouri, for instance, gas prices that sat at around $2.40 in January now near $4.00. This is because of the important role Iran plays in shipping oil across the world. Iran has blockaded the Strait of Hormuz, a vital choke point through which 30% of oil passes through. Even though the US has now taken control of the Strait, gas prices have surged.
“It used to be that I could get a full tank for less than $40. Now it costs me about $60 and it’s made me a lot more cautious with how much I’m driving. But, I’ve also seen prices be the same for a few weeks now,” senior Garrett Drohr said.
Beyond just the price at the gas pump, war in Iran will have tangible impacts on the world. A large goal of these strikes is to make sure Iran never gets a nuclear weapon, but many critics also point to the attacks as inhumane and neglecting civilian safety. For example, even though the US has targeted military assets, hospitals and schools have been bombed by accident, including a girls’ school that killed over 150. These policy decisions will be important for young voters to consider during election season.
“I would want to look more into what the Catholic Church says on the war to see if its a just war, because I wouldn’t want to support one that isn’t. It’s a complicated issue and if it’s unjust it might change how I would vote,” senior Marianne Vomund said.
Another way that war is affecting students, is a general sense of anxiety regarding the conflict, and a wider realization of what is going on in the world. In the age of social media, it is now easier than ever to see events thousands of miles away from where they happened. Having such a hands on view of war both creates real perspective, but can also be a cause for anxiety and unfounded worries about the future.
The War in Iran may not seem like the most essential thing for high school students to focus on, but its impact cannot be denied. No matter someone’s stance on the war, it’s more important than ever to stay informed and be aware of the wider world.
