Trump administration escalates Iran conflict as war costs rise

The Trump administration is escalating military conflict with Iran, with new US attacks condemned as aggression by Tehran. Vice President Vance stated the US will not conduct a ground operation to change Iran's government, but the reported price tag for the war keeps climbing, discrediting earlier administration estimates. Iran has vowed retaliation and has no plans for negotiations, focusing instead on defense. Meanwhile, Iran is deepening cooperation with China and Iraq in scientific and technological fields. Some US allies are concerned about Trump's latest reversal in Iran policy as the war escalates.