Day 74 of Middle East conflict — Trump says ‘I don’t think about Americans’ financial situation’ | CNN

• Get the latest updates on the war with Iran here. • Price of war: The US war against Iran has cost $29 billion so far — an estimate that’s higher than the $25 billion figure the Pentagon provided to Congress two weeks ago. • Ceasefire status: Some aides to President Donald Trump said he is now more seriously considering resuming combat operations in Iran. After describing the ceasefire on “massive life support” Monday, the US president is now heading to China, where he said he’ll have a “long talk” on Iran with Chinese President Xi Jinping, but downplayed the need for Beijing’s help. • Pain at the gas pump: Trump told reporters, “I don’t think about Americans’ financial situation” as he pushes for a deal with Iran. Earlier, the Energy Department raised its forecast for gas prices, with retail prices now expected to average $3.88 a gallon this year — up from the last month’s forecast of $3.70. President Donald Trump departed Washington on Tuesday for Beijing. With the US still at war with Iran, this isn’t the China trip Trump initially wanted. As CNN’s Betsy Klein reports, Trump wanted to focus on US economic priorities when he meets Chinese