Middle East tensions rise as US faces $13B in Iranian strike losses and Netanyahu rejects Gaza peace plan

The United States has incurred an estimated $13 billion in losses due to retaliatory strikes from the Islamic Republic of Iran. According to reports citing the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Iran has launched over 2,000 missile and drone attacks against Middle Eastern targets since military operations against Iran began on February 28. These strikes have targeted at least 20 US-operated objects and damaged or destroyed at least 42 US aircraft, including large drones and fighters.

In a separate development regarding the Gaza conflict, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected a 15-point peace proposal formulated by US President Donald Trump. Netanyahu stated that Israeli forces will not withdraw from the enclave until Hamas undergoes complete and real disarmament. While Hamas members have expressed openness to the roadmap proposed by the Trump Peace Council, they maintain that disarmament can only occur if Israeli troops vacate Gaza. The proposed draft suggests that heavy weaponry would be held and controlled exclusively by the Palestinian Authority.