Six months into the conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran have resulted in over 7,900 deaths, more than 5,500 attacks, and economic losses estimated in the tens of billions of dollars, according to reports compiled by Al Jazeera and other media outlets. The war began in early February with U.S. and Israeli strikes targeting Iranian nuclear, military, and civilian sites. Among the targets was Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran. In response, Iran launched attacks on American military installations and infrastructure in Gulf states, drawing Lebanon’s Hezbollah into the conflict through artillery bombardments on northern Israel. Israel retaliated with extensive strikes on Lebanon. According to data collected by Al Jazeera, at least 7,900 people have been killed since the start of the war. At least 4,350 died in Lebanon, 3,527 in Iran, and 28 in Gulf countries. In Iranian attacks, 60 Israelis and 18 U.S. soldiers were killed, while the Pentagon reported 757 wounded American troops. The scale of the conflict is reflected in figures from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED). The U.S. and Israel are alleged to have conducted at least 3,580 attacks on Iran since the beginning of the war, while Iran has carried out at least 2,053 attacks in the Persian Gulf and wider Middle East region. One major consequence of the conflict has been nearly complete disruption of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical energy routes. Before the war, more than 100 ships passed through the strait daily, many of them oil tankers and liquefied natural gas carriers. Since the conflict began, the number has dropped to approximately five ships per day. On average, only seven ships pass through the strait each day after six months of fighting. Reduced maritime traffic has also been attributed to attacks on vessels. The International Maritime Organization recorded 70 confirmed incidents by August 26, resulting in 19 casualties, according to Al Jazeera. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth estimated that the war has cost the United States $37.5 billion (approximately €32.4 billion) so far. U.S. media report that actual costs, including repairs to damaged bases, replacement of destroyed aircraft, and replenishment of military supplies, could reach between $80 and $100 billion (€69 to €86 billion). The conflict has also impacted global energy markets. The price of Brent crude oil has risen by approximately 22 percent since the start of the conflict, increasing from $72.48 (about €62.55) to $88.58 (€76.44) per barrel. By late April, the price reached $120.88 (around €104.32) per barrel. Due to these conditions, the United States has drawn down its strategic oil reserves. These reserves have fallen to approximately 290 million barrels, the lowest level since November 1982. Although Israel and Lebanon reached an agreement in April to halt hostilities, which was extended in July, Israeli forces continue to control parts of Lebanon and conduct attacks. Prior to the ceasefire, Israeli forces controlled nearly one-fifth of the country, or around 2,000 square kilometers, according to Al Jazeera. Meanwhile, support for U.S. President Donald Trump has declined. An Ipsos survey for Reuters at the end of August showed that 33 percent of Americans approve of his work, while 65 percent disapprove. Eighty percent of respondents believe U.S. involvement in the war with Iran will last much longer, whereas only 16 percent expect the conflict to end within weeks.
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