US Bombs Iran for 10th Night, $34 Billion War Cost Revealed as Tanker Struck in Strait of Hormuz

The United States military has carried out strikes against targets in Iran for the tenth straight night, marking an unprecedented sustained campaign [201190]. The latest attacks include a strike on a tanker from the so-called "shadow fleet"—vessels used to transport Iranian oil in violation of international sanctions—in the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway through which about one-fifth of the world's oil passes [201688].

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth revealed during a Senate hearing that the war against Iran has so far cost the United States $34 billion, with reports indicating military funds are running low and the Pentagon is being forced to cut spending in other areas to cover the costs [201447].

Iran announced it has struck two ships in the Strait of Hormuz, along with military targets in Bahrain and Jordan, in response to the ongoing US attacks [201520]. Iran's armed forces also claimed they launched retaliatory strikes targeting U.S. military bases in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan, though no independent confirmation of damage or casualties has been made [199153].

The escalation follows President Donald Trump's statement that the United States will strike Iran's underground nuclear facility, known as Pickaxe Mountain, "soon," and his blaming of Jordan for recent American military deaths [201680]. Trump earlier stated that Iran wants to meet, saying, "We'll see if we want to negotiate or just finish the job" [196950].

Explosions were heard in several parts of Iran following the latest US attacks [198324]. Iran has suspended its commitments under the interim deal with the U.S. as the conflict continues [199211]. Experts warn that the situation remains stuck in a "cycle of enhanced risk," where each strike increases the chance of a wider war, and there is no easy way to stop the conflict [201190].