Iran Accuses US of Misleading on War Costs, Calls Strikes ‘Open Aggression’

Iran has accused the United States of providing misleading information about the cost of its ongoing conflict, escalating tensions between the two countries.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi claimed that the Pentagon is significantly underreporting the true financial burden of the war. In a statement posted on social media platform X, he alleged that the conflict, which began on February 28, has already cost the United States nearly $100 billion.

According to Araghchi, the war—linked to the policies of former US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—has incurred expenses that are nearly four times higher than official figures released by US authorities. He further argued that indirect costs are even greater, placing a growing financial burden on American citizens.

The Iranian foreign minister claimed that the conflict is costing an average US household an additional $500 per month, warning that the financial impact is rapidly increasing. He criticized Washington’s policy priorities, stating that favoring Israel ultimately comes at the expense of the United States.

In a separate statement, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei strongly rejected US claims that recent strikes against Iran were carried out in self-defense. He described the attacks as “open aggression” and challenged Washington’s justification.

Baghaei questioned the US narrative, asking what specific threat justified the strikes. “Was there an armed attack from Iran that could legitimize such actions? Certainly not,” he said, adding that labeling the strikes as self-defense is inaccurate and violates international law.

Analysts warn that the escalating exchange of accusations between Iran and the United States could further heighten regional tensions and complicate diplomatic efforts, while also sparking renewed debate over military spending and global political dynamics.