Axios

Americans and lawmakers alike continue to signal their discomfort over the U.S. military strikes against Iran, even as the Trump administration directs more troops to the region.

The big picture: Against the backdrop of a roller-coaster oil market, Trump has suggested he's interested in pursuing a diplomatic path with Iran — while also readying options for a potential escalation. But polling indicates a large share of Americans already think things have gone too far.

HOUSTON — Instability is the defining mood at the world's most influential energy gathering this week — playing out in a split screen of oil markets jolted by the Iran war and an AI-supercharged power sector.

Why it matters: The vibe at the CERAWeek conference underscores how quickly the energy landscape has turned unpredictable, leaving billions in investment decisions — and what consumers ultimately pay — hanging in the balance.

Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) said on Wednesday at Axios' AI+DC Summit that placing a moratorium on the construction of AI data centers would be "idiocy," adding that it would grant China an edge in the race to dominate artificial intelligence.

Why it matters: Warner's comments come the same day that Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) unveiled legislation to pause all new data center construction nationwide until AI safeguards are in place.