Appearing before congressional panel, Defense Secretary Hegseth says US is prepared to escalate or wind down war. The Pentagon has released a new price tag for the US-Israel war with Iran , saying it has cost the United States $29bn. The department’s comptroller revealed the new total during a Senate committee hearing on Tuesday alongside Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth. Recommended Stories list of 3 items list 1 of 3 Trump says he will suspend petrol tax amid soaring US fuel prices list 2 of 3 US moves to release more oil stockpiles under IEA agreement list 3 of 3 Iran war: What’s happening on day 74 as Tehran says ready for ‘aggression’ end of list The estimate is an increase from the $25bn the official, Jules Hurst, reported to members of Congress in late April, the first time the administration of US President Donald Trump had given an official figure. Several experts have questioned the Pentagon’s ledger, saying the real cost to US taxpayers was likely much higher .…