On Wednesday, July 22nd, 2026, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth informed the Senate that the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran has cost $37.5 billion to date. This announcement came as lawmakers expressed anger over the escalating financial burden and the recent deaths of three American service members.

Hegseth defended the Trump administration's supplemental funding request of approximately $88 billion, describing it as "urgent, necessary."

In related developments, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi recounted being rescued from the rubble of a leadership compound following a US-Israeli airstrike that killed Iran's supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, on the war's first day. Since then, Araghchi has reportedly been moving frequently around Tehran for safety.

Meanwhile, New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani stated he lacks the authority to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu but urged US federal authorities to take action should Netanyahu visit the US later this year.

The White House also announced that American airlines will be permitted to resume direct flights to Lebanon, restoring a route suspended for over 40 years.

These events unfold amid ongoing regional instability and concerns over nuclear developments, including uranium enrichment processes that could influence Saudi Arabia's weapons program decisions.

Sources