US President Donald Trump has warned Iran in a social media post as direct talks between the two sides remain suspended.
“Iran can’t get their act together. They don’t know how to sign a nonnuclear deal. They better get smart soon!” Trump posted on Truth Social early Wednesday.
The post included an AI-generated image of Trump holding a gun with explosions in the background and the words “NO MORE MR. NICE GUY!”
The conflict between Iran and the US shows no sign of abating despite the end of the war itself. The Strait of Hormuz remains blockaded while negotiations between Washington DC and Tehran have yet to resume. A planned visit by US negotiators to Islamabad for talks was recently cancelled by Trump.
“We have all the cards,” Trump said in an interview with an international media outlet, adding that if Iran wanted talks, “they can come to us, or they can call us.” Previous efforts led by Vice President JD Vance also ended without an agreement.
Meanwhile, the cost of the conflict has reached $25 billion, according to the Pentagon’s acting comptroller Jules Hurst, who disclosed the figure during a congressional hearing.
“Approximately [to] this day, we’re spending about $25 billion on Operation Epic Fury, most of that in munitions,” Hurst said.
The figure marks the first official estimate for the military campaign, which continued for two months. Officials indicated that the total cost could rise further, with discussions underway on a supplemental funding request that could reach up to $200 billion.
The disclosure came during a hearing of the House Armed Services Committee, where lawmakers questioned the financial and strategic impact of the conflict.
“I’m glad you answered that question, because we’ve been asking for a hell of a long time, and no one’s given us the number,” said Adam Smith, Ranking member (D-Wash.)
He also raised concerns over the outcome of the war, stating, “As we sit here today, Iran’s nuclear program is exactly what it was before this war started”.
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth responded by criticising opponents of the war.
“The biggest challenge, the biggest adversary we face at this point are the reckless, feckless, and defeatist words of congressional Democrats,” he said.
