Hegseth says it has cost Iran $37.5 billion so far

Iran activated air defense systems over Tehran early Wednesday, with explosions heard in the northeastern part of the capital, according to Iranian state media.

State television reported air defense activity in several districts of Tehran, including the western, eastern and northeastern parts of the city, which is home to about 9 million people.

A reporter from the German news agency DPA also reported on the explosions in the Iranian capital.

The explosion was reported to be the first in Tehran since the latest escalation in the conflict between Iran and the United States. A 60-day ceasefire between the two sides broke down on 8 July.

The US military says it has launched attacks on targets in Iran for the 11th consecutive night.

US Central Command, or CENTCOM, said the operation began at 7 p.m. Eastern time (11 p.m. UTC/GMT) and is aimed at further reducing Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

The latest strikes are part of an ongoing US campaign targeting Iranian military capabilities related to maritime operations and regional security.

Iranian media reported fresh explosions around Sirik in southern Iran.

US Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth faced tough questioning from lawmakers on Tuesday as he defended rising costs. US military operation against Iran.

Speaking before the Senate Appropriations Committee, Hegseth said the conflict had cost $37.5 billion (€32.89 billion) so far, significantly higher than earlier estimates. He argued that additional funding was urgently needed, warning that the Army faced serious shortfalls without it.

The hearing was repeatedly disrupted by protesters and several days later pentagon Three more US service members were confirmed to have died in the conflict, bringing the US death toll to 17.

Democratic senators challenged both Cost and direction of war. Senator Patty Murray warned of “another forever war”, while other lawmakers questioned why the Pentagon is asking for more money while some previously approved military spending has yet to be used.

The debate came as Republicans put forward a $95 billion budget package that includes tens of billions for the military and national security, as well as money for agriculture and election-related measures.

Meanwhile, opinion polls show that many Americans remain critical US President Donald Trump The conflict continues to be dealt with as fighting with Iran continues.

Welcome to our coverage of the US war with Iran.

US Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth spoke before the Senate Appropriations Committee and demanded immediate additional funding for the Iran war. The US has suffered an estimated $37.5 billion (€32.89 billion) in losses so far in the conflict.

This comes as the US military says it is attacking Iran for the 11th consecutive night.

Stay tuned as we bring you the latest on the US conflict with Iran and other developments in the Middle East.