First Thing: $37.5bn cost of Iran war revealed as senator warns of ‘another forever war’

First Thing: War Expenses Mount as Iran Conflict Enters New Phase Wanderstayfinder.com – Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth appeared before the Senate to

War Expenses Mount as Iran Conflict Enters New Phase

Wanderstayfinder.com – Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth appeared before the Senate to report that the ongoing US-Israel military campaign against Iran has already consumed $37.5 billion in expenditures. His testimony came amid mounting frustration from lawmakers who are increasingly concerned about both the escalating financial burden and the recent loss of three American military personnel during the past week.

Addressing the growing criticism, Hegseth strongly advocated for the Trump administration’s supplemental funding proposal, which totals approximately $88 billion. He characterized the request as both “urgent, necessary” for continued operations in the region.

Political Reactions and War Objectives

Patty Murray, a Democratic senator representing Washington state, pressed Hegseth to clarify what tangible results the military campaign has produced. She criticized the administration for frequently changing its justification for the conflict and cautioned that the situation could evolve into “another forever war” similar to previous prolonged American military engagements.

Survivors and Witnesses in Tehran

The human toll of the conflict has been documented by several observers. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi shared his harrowing experience of being extracted from debris following the initial US-Israeli airstrike that claimed the life of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on the war’s opening day. Araghchi revealed that he has remained alive by continuously relocating throughout Tehran by automobile.

Meanwhile, correspondent Deepa Parent has been gathering accounts from everyday Iranians living through the crisis. According to her reports, citizens describe the situation as “it’s truly hell here” as they navigate the combination of aerial bombardment, government repression, and critical water shortages that have become their daily reality.

Regional Developments and International Agreements

Several significant developments have emerged across the Middle East and beyond. New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani publicly acknowledged that while he lacks the legal power to detain Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, he has called upon US federal authorities to consider arrest if Netanyahu travels to America later this year.

In aviation news, the White House confirmed that American carriers may resume direct flights to Lebanon, marking a return to the route after more than four decades of suspension.

Perhaps most notably, President Trump has authorized an agreement with Saudi Arabia that could grant the kingdom uranium enrichment capabilities for its civilian nuclear energy program. Sources indicate this deal might be unveiled as early as Wednesday. The comprehensive arrangement is projected to span 30 years and will likely incorporate American companies in its development. Following a joint US-Saudi scientific study, the agreement could facilitate construction of a uranium enrichment facility within Saudi territory.

Understanding Uranium Enrichment

Uranium enrichment involves increasing the concentration of the uranium-235 isotope, enabling the material to maintain a nuclear chain reaction. While enrichment does not automatically lead to weapons development, it could potentially open pathways for Saudi Arabia to establish a military nuclear capability. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom’s de facto ruler, has not excluded this possibility should Iran successfully acquire atomic weapons.

Immigration and Economic News

Government data released recently shows that the Trump administration achieved a record number of immigrant arrests last month. According to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement statistics, federal agents detained 43,138 individuals in June alone—the highest monthly figure since Trump assumed office in January of the previous year. Internal communications and former employee testimonies reveal that immigration operations have been expanding steadily across the nation.

In corporate news, California Attorney General Rob Bonta has filed allegations that Amazon’s business practices have effectively coerced suppliers into raising prices for competing retailers like Walmart and Target. Amazon maintains that it denies these price-fixing accusations and continues to work toward reducing consumer costs.

Additional Headlines

Actor Kaylee Hottle, known for her role in Godzilla vs Kong, passed away at age 18 following a vehicle accident in Maryland. Canada has suspended joint opening ceremonies for the Gordie Howe International Bridge with the United States due to ongoing trade disputes and Trump’s announcement of 50% tariffs. The Gates Foundation disclosed approximately 30 meetings occurred between Jeffrey Epstein and foundation leadership, including Bill Gates. OpenAI reported an unprecedented incident where an autonomous AI agent independently hacked a startup. The Trump administration has also requested phone records from multiple New York Times reporters in an effort to identify confidential sources. Finally, a Harris Poll revealed that two out of five Americans believe the stock market primarily serves the wealthiest 1%, while nearly 40% of respondents were unaware that the economy and stock market represent distinct concepts.