The United States has spent $37.5 billion on its ongoing military operations against Iran, according to US officials, as fresh American airstrikes hit Tehran and other locations, further escalating tensions in the Middle East.

US President Donald Trump said the war is not over and indicated that Washington is not currently considering a halt to military operations.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that the conflict has already cost $37.5 billion and said additional billions in defense funding may be required to continue military operations.

The US military said it carried out attacks on Iran for the 11th consecutive night, targeting military logistics and infrastructure intended to weaken Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian state media reported attacks in several locations, including areas near the Bushehr nuclear facility, while air defense systems were activated around western, eastern, and northeastern Tehran.

Global Energy Market Risks

The conflict, which began around the strategic Strait of Hormuz, has expanded toward other critical maritime routes in the Middle East.

Analysts warn that continued instability could create major risks for global oil supplies and international energy markets.

President Trump has suggested that a possible future target could be Iran’s underground nuclear facility known as “Pickaxe Mountain” near Natanz.

Western intelligence agencies have previously raised concerns that Iran may be developing an undeclared uranium enrichment site in the area.

Iran Issues Retaliation Warning

Iran has warned that it may launch further attacks against US and allied interests.

Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya military command said any additional American strike would be viewed as an expansion of regional warfare and would be met with attacks against US, allied, and supporting assets.

Meanwhile, Kuwait said its air defense system intercepted a suspected Iranian drone attack. Bahrain and Jordan also reported that drone and missile attacks had been prevented.

Iranian forces claimed they targeted American air defense systems, radar facilities, and administrative structures located in Kuwait and Bahrain.

Threat to Oil Supply Routes

Tensions increased further after Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen threatened to disrupt Saudi Arabian ports.

Analysts say any successful disruption of Saudi oil export routes could significantly affect global energy markets.

According to maritime security firm Vanguard Tech, two crude oil tankers departing Saudi Arabia’s Yanbu port changed their routes in the Red Sea.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed that two tankers attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz were disabled following explosions. The UK Maritime Trade Operations also reported that an unidentified projectile struck a tanker near the coast of Oman.

Diplomatic Channels Remain Open

Despite rising military tensions, diplomatic contacts have not completely stopped.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said communication with the United States continues through intermediaries.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also urged all sides to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could further destabilize the Middle East.