Washington: The U.S. Department of Defense has disclosed that the costs associated with the ongoing war against Iran have surged to approximately $37.5 billion, equivalent to around 1.22 trillion baht. This figure, which encompasses various missions, is projected to cover expenses until September 30. However, the precise methodology used to calculate this estimate remains unspecified.
According to Thai News Agency, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hexeth recently addressed the Senate Budget Committee, marking his first appearance since the military's latest offensive. Hexeth sought urgent approval for additional funding, warning that a failure to secure this emergency budget, alongside the $1.5 trillion annual budget for 2027, could pose an unprecedented threat to national security. Members of Congress from both parties expressed dissatisfaction with the unclear strategic direction of the military engagement.
Concurrently, the U.S. military has announced the conclusion of its latest series of airstrikes against Iran, marking the 11th consecutive night of attacks lasting approximately 75 minutes. The strikes targeted military operations centers, drone depots, and critical infrastructure to diminish Iran's capacity to threaten cargo ships in the Strait of Hormuz. This follows reports of over 30 Iranian attacks on ships within the past three months.
The conflict has led to mounting casualties for the U.S. military, with 18 personnel reported dead and approximately 430 wounded. The U.S. Department of Defense noted that 100 personnel have been injured since February 7th, though 96% have returned to active duty. Meanwhile, Iranian health officials report 50 civilian deaths and over 500 injuries due to U.S. attacks.
President Donald Trump has issued threats to expand the scope of targets to include civilian infrastructure such as power plants, bridges, and oil storage facilities. Trump also mentioned plans to destroy deep underground nuclear facilities on Clark Island. International legal experts caution that targeting civilian infrastructure could constitute a war crime under the Geneva Conventions.
In parallel, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking at the ASEAN summit in Manila, Philippines, reaffirmed the U.S.'s willingness to engage in diplomatic negotiations to resolve the crisis, though he criticized Iran for perceived insincerity. In related developments, three Saudi Arabian crude oil tankers en route to Asia were reportedly forced to reroute in the Red Sea due to threats from Houthi rebels in Yemen.
Additionally, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani released a video urging the U.S. government to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, citing an International Criminal Court warrant issued in 2024 for war crimes. However, President Trump has stated emphatically that Netanyahu will not be arrested during his upcoming visit to New York for the United Nations General Assembly in September.