US Strikes Iran Again; Trump Vows Continued Action Amid Rising War Costs

The United States is escalating its military involvement in Iran, with the Defense Secretary estimating the ongoing conflict will cost $37.5 billion by the end of September. This figure represents a nearly 30% increase from the previous $29 billion estimate. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth presented this projection to a U.S. Senate committee, advocating for the Trump administration's request of an additional $67 billion for the Pentagon.

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If we create a precedent in the Middle East where a nation-state can decide to control an international waterway, charge a toll, and blow up boats if they don't pay, we will create a very dangerous precedent that will be repeated in other parts of the world, including in this region.

During the committee hearing, Hegseth and Army Chief of Staff General Dan Caine stressed the "urgent" and "necessary" nature of the funding. However, Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen questioned the request, pointing out that the administration still has $75 billion in unspent funds. She asked why the American public should bear the cost of a war they do not support, rather than utilizing already approved but unused funds.

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Fundamentally, it's very simple. Iran claims a right, which it does not have under any existing legal mechanism, to control traffic transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

Hegseth explained that the unspent money has been allocated to other Trump initiatives, such as the "American Gold Dome" and further arms investments. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio cautioned that granting Iran control over the Strait of Hormuz would establish a "dangerous precedent" with far-reaching consequences. He argued that allowing any nation to control an international waterway and impose tolls, with threats of violence for non-compliance, would invite similar actions globally.

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There is a fundamental principle of freedom of navigation, and it is threatened. I think the global economy is threatened, as are the rules that have governed international trade for 150 years, and we cannot let that happen.

Rubio emphasized that Iran's claim to control the Strait of Hormuz lacks any existing legal basis. He asserted that this claim threatens the fundamental principle of freedom of navigation and the global economy, jeopardizing international trade rules established over the past 150 years. The U.S. has reportedly conducted new airstrikes in Iran, with former President Donald Trump indicating his continued involvement in the conflict.

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Why are you asking the American people to bear the cost of a war they do not support, instead of soliciting a transfer of funds already voted but not spent?