US-Iran War Escalates: Hegseth Reveals $37.5 Billion Price Tag; Trump Warns Tehran Over Strait of Hormuz Attacks
The military confrontation between the United States and Iran has deepened significantly, with the financial and human costs rising rapidly. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth informed the Senate Appropriations Committee that military operations against Iran have cost an estimated $37.5 billion (over ₹3.64 lakh crore) over the past four months.
To sustain operations and counter maritime disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, the Trump administration has formally requested nearly $88 billion in emergency supplemental funding from Congress.
Fresh US Airstrikes Hit Iranian Targets; CENTCOM Expands Operations
US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced a new wave of heavy aerial strikes targeting Iranian military infrastructure. According to official CENTCOM statements, the mission aims to systematically degrade Iran's capability to target commercial shipping and civilian mariners in regional waterways.
Trump Issues Direct Infrastructure Warning
Posting on Truth Social, President Donald Trump issued a stern warning against further Iranian actions in key trade corridors:
"From this point forward, any time the Islamic Republic of Iran shoots at a ship in the Strait of Hormuz, whether it be by Missile, Rocket, Drone, or any other device or weapon, the United States will bomb and destroy ONE BRIDGE OR POWER PLANT, including those located next to, or in, the Capital City of Tehran." — Donald J. Trump, President of the United States.
Trump Terms War a 'Skirmish', Claims Iran Wants a Deal
Speaking in Marietta, Georgia, President Trump referred to the military campaign as a "skirmish," asserting that American strikes have severely weakened Iranian capabilities.
Negotiation Stance: Trump claimed Tehran is eager to negotiate but maintained they are "not ready yet" to stick to terms without altering conditions.
Dignified Transfer at Dover: Earlier, Trump attended the dignified transfer of four fallen US service members at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, honouring soldiers including Lt. Tyler Feehan of the 2nd Battalion, 55th Air Defence Artillery Regiment, who died in Jordan.
Iran Warns of 'Decisive Response' to Infrastructure Strikes
Responding to American threats against power plants and civil infrastructure, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi cautioned that any strike on Iranian territory would draw an immediate and decisive retaliation. Araghchi warned that any regional parties assisting US operations would also be considered "legitimate military targets."
Key Developments in the US-Iran Conflict
| Aspect | Current Status & Key Details |
|---|---|
| US Military Spending | Estimated $37.5 Billion (~₹3.64 Lakh Crore) spent in ~4 months |
| Emergency Funding Request | $88 billion supplemental funding sought by Trump Administration |
| Hotspots | Strait of Hormuz, Persian Gulf, and Iranian military installations |
| US Military Strategy | Targeting launch pads, missile assets, and coastal defence systems |
| Iran's Retaliation Threat | Counter-targeting foreign infrastructure and regional US assets |
