The White House has indicated that US President Donald Trump may call on Arab nations to help cover the soaring costs of the United States’ ongoing war with Iran, which is estimated to run into tens of billions of dollars.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt suggested the idea is under consideration, drawing parallels to the funding model used during the Gulf War.
“I think it’s something the president would be quite interested in calling them to do,” Leavitt said, while noting she would not pre-empt Trump’s official position.
She added that the proposal is one the president has previously considered and may address publicly in the near future.
“It’s an idea that I know that he has and something that I think you’ll hear more from him on,” Leavitt said in response to a reporter’s question about the idea.
His administration requested an additional $200 billion in funding for the war.
The request faces stiff opposition in the US Congress, which must approve new spending.
During the Gulf War, the US led a broad international coalition to repel Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait, with allied and regional partners — including Germany and Japan —contributing approximately $54 billion toward the effort.
In contrast, the current conflict with Iran was luanched unilaterally by the United States and Israel, without a multinational coalition or financial backing from regional allies.
Earlier in the month, conservative commentator Sean Hannity, a close ally of Trump, proposed that any ceasefire agreement should require Iran to compensate the US, suggesting repayment in oil for the full cost of military operations.
Iran, however, has adopted an opposing stance, demanding compensation from the United States for war-related damages.
According to US media reports, officials briefed Congress that the first six days of the war cost approximately $11.3 billion.
Estimates from the Centre for Strategic and International Studies suggest costs rose to $16.5 billion by day 12, with the total expected to be significantly higher as the conflict enters its second month.
The White House is seeking at least $200 billion in additional military funding from Congress to sustain operations and replenish Pentagon stockpiles.
In addition, the war has also disrupted global energy markets.
Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz — a critical route for global oil shipments — has caused hike in fuel prices worldwide.
In the United States, average gasoline prices have surged to $3.99 per gallon, more than a dollar increase since the conflict began.
Despite the economic impact, the Trump regime maintains that the long-term strategic benefits outweigh short-term costs.
Leavitt emphasised that price increases are temporary and necessary to counter what the US sees as a threat from Iran.
Iranian officials, meanwhile, argue that they were attacked during ongoing diplomatic discussions and deny posing a threat to the United States or the broader region.
