US-Iran conflict deepens as Washington launches fresh strikes

The conflict between the United States and Iran intensified on Tuesday as American forces carried out another round of airstrikes, extending their military campaign into an 11th straight night.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the military operation has now cost Washington an estimated $37.5 billion, highlighting the mounting financial impact of the war.

President Donald Trump signalled that further attacks could be imminent, warning that the US is prepared to strike a suspected Iranian nuclear facility known as Pickaxe Mountain. He said the target could be hit “very heavily” in the near future. Tehran responded by cautioning that any escalation would expand the conflict across the region.

While military operations continued, diplomatic activity also intensified. Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni travelled to Islamabad for meetings with top Pakistani officials, including Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, as efforts to reduce tensions gained momentum.

Separately, Trump met Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and reaffirmed his willingness to help mediate peace between Lebanon and Israel. However, he stopped short of indicating when Israeli troops might leave southern Lebanon.

The fighting has entered its second week with both sides maintaining a hardline stance, even as regional and international mediators push for a negotiated end to the hostilities.

Source: Al Jazeera 

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