US has spent $11bn in six days of war — but Iran’s government is not collapsing

Six days of war against Iran has cost the United States at least $11.3 billion, according to figures reportedly presented to US senators in a closed-door briefing on Tuesday. Yet American intelligence agencies say Iran’s government remains firmly in control and shows no signs of collapse.

According to Reuters, three sources familiar with the intelligence findings told reporters that a “multitude” of reports consistently assessed that Iran’s leadership “is not in danger” and “retains control of the Iranian public.” The latest assessment was completed within the past few days.

The $11.3 billion figure covers only the initial phase of the conflict and does not represent its total cost. Congressional aides expect the White House to soon request additional war funding from Congress. Some officials have put that request at around $50 billion, though others say that figure may still be too low.

Meanwhile, Iran has sharply escalated its response. Iranian forces targeted the world’s busiest international airport on Wednesday and attacked commercial ships in the region, effectively choking global trade routes. Iran has also struck oil fields and refineries across Gulf Arab nations and blocked cargo traffic through the Strait of Hormuz — the narrow waterway through which a fifth of all traded oil passes.

Read Also: UK vice-chancellor calls for reduction of undergraduate degrees to 2 years

On Thursday, an Iranian attack triggered a major fire on Bahrain’s Muharraq Island, home to the country’s international airport. Authorities urged residents to stay indoors. A separate strike on Iraq’s Basra port killed at least one person and forced a halt to operations at all of Iraq’s oil terminals.

The UN Security Council demanded that Iran stop its strikes on Gulf neighbours, warning of the threat to global oil supplies.

Despite the escalation, President Donald Trump claimed victory during a visit to Kentucky on Wednesday, telling supporters “we won” — but adding that the US would stay in the fight “to finish the job.” Finding an acceptable exit, however, may prove difficult while Iran’s hardline leadership remains entrenched.

Iran’s resilience is particularly striking given that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed on the first day of the US-Israeli strikes on 28 February. Intelligence officials say the clerical leadership has held together despite that loss.

The administration has not given Congress or the public a clear picture of how long the war is expected to last or what it will ultimately cost.