Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi mocked the Pentagon demand's for addtional $200 billion in budget for Iran war, saying the amount was only a tip of the iceberg.
Araghchi said Americans can thank Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and "his lackeys in Congress" for the trillion-dollar "Israel First tax" that's about to hit US economy.
"We're only three weeks into this war of choice, imposed on both Iranians and Americans. This $200b is the tip of the iceberg. Ordinary Americans can thank Benjamin Netanyahu and his lackeys in Congress for the trillion-dollar "Israel First tax" that's about to hit US economy," he wrote on X citing a news report.
The war in the West Asia took a dangerous turn as Iranian strikes caused extensive damage to Qatar’s main gas hub at Ras Laffan Industrial City, raising fresh fears over global energy supplies as the Middle East conflict intensifies. State-run QatarEnergy said multiple waves of attacks triggered “sizeable fires” and significant damage to liquefied natural gas facilities, though authorities later confirmed the fires were contained and no injuries reported.
The escalation comes amid tit-for-tat strikes involving Iran, Israel and the United States, with Donald Trump warning Tehran against further attacks. Oil prices jumped more than 5 percent on supply concerns, reflecting market anxiety over disruptions in a region critical to global energy flows.
US President Donald Trump said late Wednesday that the strike on Iran’s South Pars gas field was carried out by Israel, adding that neither the United States nor Qatar had any involvement.
In a social media post, Trump said Israel had targeted a section of the major gas facility “out of anger” over developments in the Middle East, stressing that Washington had no prior knowledge of the attack and that Qatar was “in no way” involved.
While cautioning that he did not want to authorise such large-scale destruction due to its long-term consequences, Trump said the US would act decisively if Qatar’s LNG assets were attacked again.
"Israel, out of anger for what has taken place in the Middle East, has violently lashed out at a major facility known as South Pars Gas Field in Iran. A relatively small section of the whole has been hit. The United States knew nothing about this particular attack, and the country of Qatar was in no way, shape, or form, involved with it, nor did it have any idea that it was going to happen," wrote Trump.
The statement you're referencing comes from Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who on March 19, 2026, mocked a reported Pentagon request for an additional $200 billion to fund the ongoing war efforts against Iran.
Araghchi’s comments on X (formerly Twitter) highlight a sharp escalation in the "war of choice" that began on February 28, 2026. Here is a breakdown of the current situation:
The "Israel First Tax" & Financial Mockery
The $200bn Claim: Araghchi called the $200 billion request the "tip of the iceberg," suggesting the long-term cost to the U.S. economy would eventually reach trillions.
The Warning: He warned Americans that they are paying an "Israel First tax," accusing U.S. leadership and "lackeys in Congress" of prioritizing Israeli security interests over the American economy.
Economic Impact: This rhetorical attack coincides with a spike in global energy prices. Brent crude has topped $110 a barrel, and U.S. gas prices have climbed significantly since the conflict began three weeks ago.
Current Conflict Status (March 2026)
The war has taken a dangerous turn in the last 48 hours:
Energy Infrastructure Hits: Following an Israeli strike on Iran's South Pars gas field, Iran retaliated with strikes on Qatar’s Ras Laffan Industrial City, a major global LNG hub.
U.S. Positioning: President Trump has stated he has "no intention" of sending ground troops to Iran, characterizing the current operations as proactive defensive strikes to annihilate Iran's naval and missile capabilities.
Casualties: Reports indicate over 6,000 Iranian military personnel and roughly 13 U.S. soldiers have been killed since the surprise opening strikes on February 28, which also resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Regional Repercussions
Strait of Hormuz: Iran has threatened to permanently disrupt shipping in the Strait. In response, the UN maritime body (IMO) is calling for an urgent "safe maritime corridor" to evacuate stranded merchant vessels.
India’s Stance: Prime Minister Modi has strongly condemned the attacks on the region's energy infrastructure, and India is reportedly considering a ₹1,000 crore war-risk cover to support insurers affected by the Hormuz disruption.
Would you like me to track the specific impact of these developments on the Indian stock market or the latest updates on the ICC T20 World Cup schedule adjustments due to the conflict?
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