Cost of US war on Iran mounting – as it happened

The Pentagon has disclosed that the cost of the ongoing US military operations against Iran has risen to approximately $29 billion, up from an earlier estimate of $25 billion reported at the end of April. This increase reflects updated expenses related to the repair and replacement of equipment, as well as ongoing operational costs to sustain US forces in the region. Pentagon financial official Jules Hurst III provided these figures during testimony before the House appropriations subcommittee on defense, where officials including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced questioning about the war’s financial and strategic implications. Hegseth emphasized the US commitment to maintaining military superiority, citing a proposed $1.5 trillion defense budget aimed at preserving the country’s global power status. He also indicated that the US has contingency plans to escalate military actions if necessary, describing the mission as “sacred.” However, he did not provide a detailed timeline for when a more comprehensive accounting of war expenses would be shared with Congress, stating that information would be disclosed as relevant and required. The broader Middle East conflict continues to intensify, with Israel conducting strikes in southern Lebanon amid reports of at least 380 fatalities since a ceasefire was declared on April 17. Iran has issued warnings that the US must accept its peace proposals or face failure, while tensions remain high over control of the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Regional actors such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE have reportedly engaged in covert operations against Iran, further complicating the security environment. Iranian officials have also warned of the potential to enrich uranium to weapons-grade levels if attacked, raising concerns about nuclear proliferation. This escalating conflict and the mounting financial costs underscore the complex geopolitical stakes in the region, with significant implications for US foreign policy, regional stability, and global energy markets. The ongoing hostilities and military expenditures highlight the challenges facing policymakers as they navigate a volatile and multifaceted crisis.