Iran’s FM says war cost US $100 billion

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi disputed the Pentagon’s claims about the cost of the war with the Islamic Republic, saying it has “directly cost America $100b so far, four times what is claimed”.

“Indirect costs for U.S. taxpayers are FAR higher. Monthly bill for each American household is $500 and rising fast,” Aragchi said in a post on X.

“Israel First always means America Last”

The Pentagon is lying. Netanyahu's gamble has directly cost America $100b so far, four times what is claimed.

Indirect costs for U.S. taxpayers are FAR higher. Monthly bill for each American household is $500 and rising fast.

Israel First always means America Last. pic.twitter.com/onailLYFdL

— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) May 1, 2026

On Wednesday, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth repeatedly clashed with Democratic lawmakers over the Iran war on Wednesday, in his first testimony to Congress since President Donald Trump launched the conflict two months ago.

Appearing before the House Armed Services Committee, Hegseth quickly struck a combative tone, saying in his opening remarks that the main challenge at this point is the "defeatist words of congressional Democrats and some Republicans."

Representative Adam Smith -- the committee's top Democrat -- took aim at the regional fallout from the war and its toll on both US troops as well as civilians, saying he wanted answers on where the conflict is going and "the plan to achieve our objectives."

He later asked Hegseth how the "lethal, kinetic action" of the war could be translated into degrading Iran's nuclear program, which Washington is seeking to eliminate.

Hegseth responded by taking aim at the "very bad" Iran nuclear agreement that Trump scrapped during his first term in office.

Hegseth was asked about the cost of the conflict, which he said was estimated at less than $25 billion so far.

The Pentagon chief then asked the committee: "What is it worth to ensure that Iran never gets a nuclear weapon?"