BY OUR FOREIGN STAFF
IRAN’S Foreign Minister has issued a chilling warning to the American public, claiming they are about to be slapped with a trillion-dollar “Israel First tax” to fund the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
In a fiery statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Sayyed Abbas Araghchi lashed out at Washington’s “war of choice,” just hours after reports emerged that the Pentagon has requested a staggering $200 billion (£152bn) in emergency funding to sustain military operations.
The massive request—which dwarfs the combined US spending on Ukraine and Gaza—is intended to replenish depleted missile stockpiles and ramp up the air campaign that began with “Operation Epic Fury” on February 28.
’Tip of the Iceberg’
Araghchi, who has remained defiant despite three weeks of heavy US and Israeli airstrikes, warned that the current $200 billion request is merely the beginning of a long and ruinous financial drain on the American taxpayer.
”We’re only three weeks into this war of choice, imposed on both Iranians and Americans,” Araghchi wrote. “This $200b is the tip of the iceberg.”
He took direct aim at the alliance between the US and Israel, claiming that the American economy is being sacrificed to protect Israeli interests.
”Ordinary Americans can thank Benjamin Netanyahu and his lackeys in Congress for the trillion-dollar ‘Israel First tax’ that’s about to hit U.S. economy,” he added.
The Iranian diplomat’s comments come as the conflict reaches a bloody fever pitch:
Economic Chaos: Global oil prices have spiked as strikes target energy infrastructure, including Iran’s massive South Pars gas field.
The Cost of War: Internal US estimates suggest the first week of the campaign alone cost over $11 billion (£8.3bn).
Rising Tensions: Araghchi previously warned that since Iran “cannot reach American soil,” US bases and assets across the entire Gulf region remain primary targets for retaliation.
While the Trump administration has framed the strikes as a “laser-focused” effort to eliminate imminent threats and induce regime change, the soaring price tag is already causing jitters on Capitol Hill.
Critics argue the US is being dragged into a “forever war” that could bankrupt the Treasury, while Araghchi’s “Israel First” rhetoric aims to drive a wedge between the American public and its political leadership.
