Trump tightens Iran-war stance as blockade tightens and costs rise
TL;DR
Amid stalled peace talks, President Trump signals a hardline Iran posture by threatening to cut U.S. troops in Germany and extending the maritime blockade on Iran, which Washington says is crippling Tehran’s finances. The blockade has reportedly deprived Iran of billions and helped push gas prices higher, while Pentagon officials put the war’s cost at about $25 billion. At a House Armed Services Committee hearing, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth faced pointed questions on civilian harm, strategy, and the war’s price, as lawmakers weigh the ongoing conflict against a May 1 War Powers deadline and Republicans’ willingness to continue fighting.
- Iran war has cost the US $25 billion, Pentagon says. Live updates USA Today
- Pentagon’s $25 billion cost estimate for Iran war is low and does not include cost of rebuilding US bases, sources say CNN
- Hegseth slams ‘defeatist’ lawmakers in fiery House hearing on military budget The Washington Post
- Pete Hegseth lost his cool in front of Congress. It was a dramatic unraveling The Independent
- The War in Iran Has Cost $25 Billion So Far. Is That a Lot? The New York Times
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