News & Stories Economy The war in Iran is impacting Earth's supply of helium Ayesha Rascoe March 15, 2026 / 5:10 am Helium is the second most abundant element in the universe, but on earth it's in short supply. And Iran's retaliatory strikes on helium-rich Qatar have made it even more scarce. Why you can trust KUOW Recommended Stories Inland Northwest farmers face rising fertilizer, diesel costs from Iran war March 31, 2026 Could light rail across Lake Washington make Seattle the next Copenhagen? March 25, 2026 Starbucks union pushes back against plans to close 5 Seattle stores March 10, 2026