From the New York Times, it's the headlines.

I'm Tracy Mumford.

Today's Thursday, March 12th.

Here's what we're covering.

In a closed-door briefing this week, Pentagon officials gave lawmakers the most comprehensive assessment yet of how much the war in Iran has cost.

According to people familiar with the briefing, they estimated that the first six days alone totaled more than $11.3 billion.

A big part of that is the cost of munitions.

Some of the bombs used on Iran cost over half a million dollars each, and missile interceptors to fend off retaliatory attacks can cost $3 million a shot.

The estimate did not include all of the costs of the conflict, including the buildup before the strikes.

So lawmakers expect to see the number grow considerably once all the calculations are in.

Also, on the economic front, a gallon of gas today is $3.58 on average.

60 cents more than it was a month ago.

60 cents more.

Oil prices have continued to rise, something Democrats are pointing to as a consequence Americans

are feeling at the pump.

And the danger of a shortage of oil and prices going up further is getting greater, not lesser.

Yesterday, in an attempt to tame the markets, a coalition of more than 30 countries agreed

to release the largest amount of oil ever from their strategic reserves.

But even after that announcement, oil kept climbing, spiking over $100 a barrel last night.

It's driven by fears that the conflict in the Middle East will cripple a major part of the world's oil and gas supply for an extended period.

The Strait of Hormuz, a key passage for oil and gas,

continues to be a flashpoint, despite the U.S. taking out Iranian naval vessels and mine-laying ships.

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