Iran accuses US of hiding $100bn war cost, calls strikes ‘aggression’

Esmail Baghaei strongly rejected US strikes on Iran, describing them as “aggression.” He challenged Washington’s justification that the actions were carried out in self-defense and in support of Israel.

TEHRAN/WASHINGTON: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-May 1^st, 2026) Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Friday accused the United States of misrepresenting the actual cost of the ongoing conflict, claiming that the Pentagon is understating war-related expenditures.

In a statement shared on X, Araghchi alleged that the conflict, which he said began on February 28 under the policies of Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu, has already cost the United States nearly $100 billion. He maintained that this figure is four times higher than the estimates publicly presented by US officials.

He further stated that indirect costs of the war are even greater, with the financial burden ultimately falling on American citizens. According to Araghchi, the conflict has added an estimated $500 per month in expenses for each US household, a figure he said is continuing to rise. He also criticized US policy toward Israel, arguing that prioritizing Israel comes at the expense of American interests.

Analysts believe such statements could intensify regional tensions and trigger renewed debate over war spending and global political dynamics.

Separately, Esmail Baghaei strongly rejected US strikes on Iran, describing them as “aggression.” He challenged Washington’s justification that the actions were carried out in self-defense and in support of Israel.

Referring to a statement by the United States Department of State, Baghaei questioned the basis of the self-defense claim, asking whether Iran had launched any armed attack that could justify such actions. He asserted that no such attack had taken place and labeled the US actions as a clear violation of international law.

Experts warn that the escalating exchange of statements between Iran and the United States could further heighten tensions in the region and deepen diplomatic rifts.