US strikes Iran for 11th straight night as war cost climbs to $37.5 billion

The US launched an 11th consecutive night of strikes on Iran on Tuesday, showing no sign of easing its campaign even as the war’s military, economic and political costs continue to mount.US Central Command said the latest strikes were aimed at further weakening Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, the Pentagon put the cost of the war at $37.5 billion, including projected spending through September 30.

The human toll also rose. The US confirmed that a third service member was presumed dead following Friday’s Iranian attack on an American base in Jordan. The confirmation takes the number of US military personnel killed since the war began to 18.

The attacks continued to rattle energy markets, pushing Brent crude above $91 a barrel and US benchmark West Texas Intermediate close to $85. Iran also warned Bulgaria against allowing Washington to use its territory for military operations after Sofia proposed hosting up to eight US refuelling aircraft.

Separately, President Donald Trump promised US support for Lebanon during talks with President Joseph Aoun but offered no concrete timeline for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon.

Follow along for the latest updates on the war in West Asia.