Cost of Iran conflict hits $11.3 billion for US in first week: AP Source

WASHINGTON (TNND) — The Pentagon told Congress the first week of Operation Epic Fury cost the U.S. $11.3 billion, according to The Associated Press.

The conflict with Iran is heading into its second week, while President Donald Trump said Wednesday that it will be over “soon,” as gas prices continue to be impacted. The conflict also disrupted global energy markets by affecting traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route that controls nearly 20% of global oil supplies.

“We have done more damage than we thought possible, even in the original six-week period,” Trump said in a phone interview with Axios.

In an exclusive interview with our station, WKRC, Trump said he was considering tapping the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

“I filled it up once, and I’ll fill it up again, but right now, we’ll reduce it a little bit, and that brings the prices down,” Trump said.

The U.S. then decided on Wednesday they will release 172 million barrels of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve in an effort to bring down gas prices.

Iran reportedly began laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz. In response, the U.S. “hit, and completely destroyed, 10 inactive mine laying boats and/or ships.”

Editor’s Note: The Associated Press contributed to this report.