Hegseth says Iran war has cost $37.5 billion so far

US Secretary of State Marco Rubiosays Washington remains willing to negotiate with Iran but doubts Tehran is serious about finding a diplomatic solution to the conflict.

“The problem we’re having right now is that they’re not serious about talks,” Rubio said during a meeting of Southeast Asian foreign ministers in Manila, in reference to Iran. “If they’re serious, we’re serious. If they’re not, then we will do what’s necessary to protect our interests, and also the interests of our allies.”

His remarks came as the US military launched an 11th consecutive night of strikes on Iranand concerns grew over disruptions to global energy supplies.
Rubio warned that Iran must not be allowed to control the Strait of Hormuz, arguing that such a move would have implications far beyond the Middle East.

“If we create a precedent in the Middle East where a nation state can decide that they are going to control an international waterway, charge a toll, and if you don’t pay them blow up your ships, we have created a very dangerous precedent, which will repeat itself in other parts of the world, including in this region,” Rubio said.

Despite the fighting, Rubio said the US remains “open and willing to engage in positive and constructive negotiations and discussions” if Iran honors its commitments.

US Central Command (CENTCOM), says its latest operation targeted Iranian military operations centers, maritime assets, aircraft hangars, drone storage sites and logistics infrastructure.

CENTCOM accused Iran of attacking more than 30 commercial vessels in the strategic waterway over the past three months, saying the attacks endangered civilian crews and disrupted freedom of navigation.

Despite the ongoing conflict, the US military said the Strait of Hormuz remains open to commercial traffic. Since early May, CENTCOM says it has helped facilitate the transit of around 900 commercial vessels carrying approximately 450 million barrels of crude oil through the region.

The US will allow direct flights to Lebanon, President Donald Trump announced.

It comes over 40 years after the US suspended direct flights between the two countries in 1985, during US President Ronald Reagan’s administration, in the wake of the hijacking of TWA Flight 847. 

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Iran activated air defense systems over Tehran early Wednesday, with explosions heard in the northeastern part of the capital, according to Iranian state media.

State television reported air defense activity in several districts across Tehran, including the western, eastern and northeastern parts of the city, which is home to around 9 million people.

A reporter with German news agency DPA also reported explosions in the Iranian capital.  

The reports mark the first explosions in Tehran since the latest escalation in the conflict between Iran and the United States. A 60-day ceasefire between the two sides fell apart on July 8.  

The US military says it has begun an 11th consecutive night of strikes against targets in Iran.

US Central Command, or CENTCOM, said the operation started at 7 p.m. Eastern Time (11 p.m. UTC/GMT) and is aimed at further reducing Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

The latest attacks are part of an ongoing US campaign targeting Iranian military capabilities linked to maritime operations and regional security.

Iranian media reported fresh explosions around Sirik in southern Iran. 

US Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth faced tough questioning from lawmakers on Tuesday as he defended the growing cost of the US military campaign against Iran.

Speaking before the Senate Appropriations Committee, Hegseth said the conflict has so far cost $37.5 billion (€32.89 billion), a figure significantly higher than earlier estimates. He argued that additional funding is urgently needed, warning that the military faces critical shortfalls without it.

The hearing was repeatedly interrupted by protesters and came days after the Pentagon confirmed that three more US service members had died in the conflict, bringing the American death toll to 17.

Democratic senators challenged both the cost and direction of the war. Senator Patty Murray warned of “another forever war,” while other lawmakers questioned why the Pentagon was seeking more funding when some previously approved military spending has yet to be used.

The debate comes as Republicans push a $95 billion budget package that includes tens of billions for the military and national security, as well as funding for agriculture and election-related measures.

Meanwhile, opinion polls suggest many Americans remain critical of US President Donald Trump’s handling of the conflict as fighting with Iran continues.

Welcome to our coverage of the US war with Iran. 

US Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth spoke before the Senate Appropriations Committee and asked for urgent additional funds for the Iran war. The conflict so far has cost the US an estimated $37.5 billion (€32.89 billion).

It comes as the US military says it is striking Iran for the 11th consecutive night. 

Stay tuned as we bring you the latest on the US conflict with Iran and other developments from the Middle East.