Iranian Expert Estimates US Losses in Conflict with Iran Exceed Aid to Ukraine

Iranian international relations expert Emad Abshenas made assessments regarding the cost and military balance of the conflicts between the US and Iran. Abshenas referred to US domestic politics, stating that Donald Trump had previously criticized the $100 billion in aid allocated to Ukraine, but current data shows that the US has faced a much higher cost in its six-month conflict with Iran. Based on information from the US media, the Washington administration has spent over $120 billion on armaments. Abshenas noted that the $28 billion report submitted by the Pentagon to Congress only covers initial operational expenses and does not include destroyed or depleted ammunition. The expert stated that the Pentagon has requested an additional $600 billion budget from Congress to compensate for the losses. Referring to research by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Abshenas said that more than half of the US's missile systems have been destroyed. If the conflicts continue at their current pace, the US will face a severe missile shortage within a few weeks, according to the Iranian expert, who also noted that most of the missile defense systems are being used to protect Israel, leaving US bases in the region vulnerable.