Published: May 01, 2026, 22:08 IST | Updated: May 01, 2026, 22:08 IST
The economic cost of the US-Israeli war on Iran is emerging as a major political issue in Washington after the Pentagon revealed that operations and maintenance expenses have already crossed $25 billion. The war’s financial burden triggered sharp exchanges between Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Democratic lawmakers, including Representative Ro Khanna, during congressional hearings. Analysts warn the conflict could further strain the US budget amid rising oil prices and global instability.