Tehran directed harsh criticism at Washington, considering that the actual cost of the war far exceeds the announced numbers, whether at the level of the American economy or taxpayers. In this context, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi accused the US administration of misleading public opinion, pointing out that what he described as Benjamin Netanyahu’s “adventure” had cost the United States about $100 billion so far, that is, nearly four times the official estimates. He added that the indirect burdens far exceed that, pointing out that the average monthly cost to an American family amounted to about $500, with expectations that it will rise rapidly. In a sharp political criticism, Araqchi considered that the slogan “Israel first” practically translates to “America last,” in reference to presenting Israeli interests at the expense of the American interior. In parallel, the Iranian Foreign Ministry revealed diplomatic contacts conducted by Araqchi with the European Union’s foreign policy chief, in an attempt to keep pace with the political escalation with diplomatic moves. For his part, the head of the judiciary in Iran stressed that what was not achieved through war will not be achieved through negotiation, stressing his country’s rejection of any pressure or dictates, and that engaging in negotiations does not mean making concessions. These positions come in light of the escalation of tension between Tehran and Washington, as the confrontation moved from the military field to a heated political and economic debate over the cost of the war and its repercussions, which complicates the path of calm and perpetuates the distance between the two parties.