By Staff Reporter
The United States has launched a fresh wave of airstrikes on Iran for the 11th consecutive night, further escalating a conflict that is rapidly destabilizing the Middle East. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth revealed that the military campaign has now cost an estimated $37.5 billion.
Tensions surged after US President Donald Trump warned that Washington could launch a major attack on a suspected Iranian nuclear facility known as Pickaxe Mountain, saying the strike could come “very soon” and be carried out “very heavily.” Tehran responded by threatening to widen the conflict across the region if the attacks continue.
Regional fears intensified following reports of attacks affecting Bahrain and Kuwait, raising concerns that the war could spread beyond Iran and draw more countries into the crisis.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts to halt the fighting have gathered momentum. Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni met with senior Pakistani leaders, including Army Chief General Asim Munir, in Islamabad as mediators work to prevent further escalation.
In Washington, President Trump also held talks with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, pledging to help broker peace between Lebanon and Israel. However, he declined to provide a timeline for the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon.
The latest developments underscore growing fears that the conflict is entering a more dangerous phase, with military operations expanding even as international efforts to secure a ceasefire continue.
