US bombs Iran for 12th straight night as conflict costs $37.5 billion

US bombs Iran for 12th straight night as conflict costs $37.5 billion

United States forces have launched a fresh wave of airstrikes against military targets in Iran, marking the 12th consecutive night of American attacks. The campaign, directed by the Commander in Chief, began its latest phase at 5:30 p.m. ET to further degrade Iran's ability to threaten commercial vessels and civilian mariners in regional waters.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reported during a contentious hearing that the military campaign has now cost $37.5 billion, an increase from nearly $29 billion in mid-May. Hegseth informed lawmakers that the administration requires nearly twice that amount to sustain military operations.

Escalation and Nuclear Threats

The conflict has entered a dangerous phase with targets including air defence systems, missile facilities, and military command centres. Explosions were reported in Bushehr and other southern regions of Iran, while air defence systems were activated over Tehran.

President Donald Trump has signaled that the campaign may expand beyond conventional targets, warning that Washington could strike Pickaxe Mountain, a suspected Iranian nuclear facility, pretty soon, and very heavily.

Tehran has responded with warnings that any attack on its nuclear facilities would dramatically expand the war. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on X that the nation's defense doctrine is an eye for an eye, adding that any aggression against Iranian infrastructure will compel a powerful and decisive response.

Regional Spillover and Naval Blockades

The fighting has expanded across the Gulf and the Red Sea. Iran launched missile and drone attacks targeting Jordan, Kuwait, and Bahrain. Kuwaiti authorities confirmed the interception of Iranian drones overnight.

In the Red Sea, Houthi rebels claimed to have used missiles and drones to strike two Saudi oil tankers, the Encelia and the Layla, for violating a blockade. The British naval security monitor UKMTO reported a tanker master's account of being struck by an unknown projectile about 70 nautical miles southwest of Al Shuqaiq, resulting in a fire.

Tensions remain high over the Strait of Hormuz. The USS Michael Murphy has been monitoring operations in the Arabian Sea as American forces enforce a naval blockade. President Trump stated that the U.S. Does not need the Hormuz Strait, emphasizing that Iran cannot be allowed to possess a nuclear weapon.

Trump has further threatened to destroy ONE BRIDGE OR POWER PLANT every time the Islamic Republic of Iran fires on a ship in the Strait of Hormuz via any weapon, including drones or rockets.

Human and Economic Costs

The Pentagon has identified a new American service member killed in recent Iranian attacks, bringing the total U.S. Military death toll to 18. President Trump recently attended the transfer of the remains of four American Patriots: 1st Lt. Tyler Feehan, Sgt. Michael Swinton, Sgt. Angel Rampersad, and Pvt. Isabella Gonzales. Three were killed in an attack on a military base in Jordan, and one died in Iraq during the controlled detonation of an unexploded Iranian drone.

The economic impact has been felt in global energy markets, where the price of oil surged nearly 5% as operations continued near key shipping routes and infrastructure.

Diplomacy and Parallel Nuclear Deals

Despite the fighting, diplomatic efforts continue. Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni met with Pakistan's military leadership, including Field Marshal Asim Munir, in Islamabad to discuss preventing a broader regional conflict.

While battling Iran, the Trump administration signed a nuclear energy agreement with Saudi Arabia. The deal requires the use of American-made reactors, costing tens of billions of dollars. Under the agreement, Saudi Arabia may eventually enrich uranium on its own soil following a two-year study and subsequent American supervision for 10 years—a provision not granted to the United Arab Emirates.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated at the signing ceremony in Washington that the agreements uphold the highest standards of nuclear safety and nonproliferation.

President Trump has rejected polls suggesting the war is unpopular, asserting that while Iran may want to make a deal, they are not ready because they attempt to change the terms of agreements.