The United States says the ongoing war involving Iran has become very expensive. Jules Hurst, a senior Pentagon official handling budget duties, told American lawmakers that the conflict has cost the US about $29 billion so far. According to Hurst, the money has been used for many military needs, including air strikes, missile defence systems, troop operations, fuel, transport, and replacing damaged military equipment. The Pentagon also spent billions repairing aircraft, warships, and weapons used during the fighting. The new estimate is about $4 billion higher than the amount reported late last month, showing that the costs of the conflict are rising quickly as military operations continue. The war has increased tensions across the Middle East and affected important oil and shipping routes, especially around the Strait of Hormuz. The US has moved extra warships, fighter jets, and missile defence systems into the region to protect its forces and allies. American officials say the military spending could continue to grow if the conflict lasts longer. Some US lawmakers are now questioning how the war is affecting the American economy and whether more emergency funding will be needed in the coming months.