Axios

Critical infrastructure operators are on high alert for potential Iran-backed cyber retaliation following the weekend's military strikes that killed the country's supreme leader and several other senior officials.

Why it matters: Iranian actors — both state-linked and loosely affiliated — have a history of targeting U.S. water and gas systems, even outside the context of an open military conflict.

A group of centrist House Democrats on Tuesday unveiled a war powers resolution that would give the Trump administration more leeway on Iran than the measure their leadership is pushing.

Why it matters: The effort reflects the extreme reluctance some hawkish Democrats have towards voting for the resolution introduced by anti-interventionist Reps. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) and Thomas Massie (R-Ky.).

The United Arab Emirates is considering taking military action to stop Iranian missile and drone strikes on the country, two sources with knowledge of the matter tell Axios.

Why it matters: An Emirati strike on Iran would be unprecedented. The fact that it's being considered reflects the enormous anger among Gulf countries over Iranian attacks that have targeted civilian infrastructure and oil and gas facilities.

President Trump said the U.S. will "immediately" offer "political risk insurance and guarantees" for energy tankers and other ships in the Gulf region, and that the Navy will escort tankers through the Strait of Hormuz if needed.

Why it matters: The White House is trying to ease oil price spikes that are starting to boost U.S. gasoline prices. Oil prices retreated Tuesday as word of the plans began to emerge.

The war in Iran has rapidly expanded across the Middle East, pulling in U.S. allies, adversaries and bystanders alike.

The big picture: Since the U.S. strikes began on Saturday, Iran has retaliated against Israel and multiple Gulf states, plunging the region further into chaos.

Fear of Iran getting nuclear weapons drove the U.S. and Israeli strikes over the weekend, but the location and security of Tehran's uranium stockpile remains unclear.

The big picture: The UN's nuclear watchdog hasn't been able to inspect key Iranian nuclear sites, and a prolonged conflict could mean even less transparency.

Gasoline prices are jumping as oil prices spike following the U.S. and Israel strikes on Iran, reflecting market fears of extended geopolitical upheaval.

Why it matters: Americans use about 370 million gallons of gas per day, so price increases have an immediate effect on their pocketbook and mood about the economy.

The State Department is organizing military aircraft and charter flights for American citizens who want to leave the Middle East as the conflict with Iran widens.

The big picture: For days, the Trump administration told thousands of stranded Americans to book commercial flights despite airports suspending operations after many were hit by strikes.

Sure, oil prices have soared since attacks on Iran and counterstrikes began — but it's also possible the market isn't freaking out enough.

Why it matters: Consumers and companies worldwide will feel the effects of the conflict that's pushing up petroleum and natural gas prices.

President Trump spoke by phone with Kurdish leaders in Iraq on Sunday to discuss the U.S.-Israel war with Iran and what might come next, three sources with knowledge of the calls told Axios.

Why it matters: The Kurds have thousands of soldiers along the Iran-Iraq border and control strategic areas that could be significant as the war develops. Iraq's Kurds also have close ties to Iran's Kurdish minority.