"This is the most worthwhile money ever spent," Republican senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally of President Donald Trump, stated in a 9/3 interview with Fox News, when asked about the nearly 1 billion USD per day cost of the offensive campaign against Iran.

Fox News reporter Maria Bartiromo further noted that since the U.S. launched the campaign, oil prices had risen 27% in one week, and the Pentagon was requesting an additional 50 billion USD from Congress for military operations against Iran. However, Graham contended it was "a very profitable investment" if the U.S. could overthrow the regime in Iran and establish a "more friendly" government.

"When the Iranian regime collapses, we will have a new Middle East, and we will make a fortune. No one will dare threaten the Strait of Hormuz anymore. President Trump is saving the world from real chaos," Graham said.

Senator Lindsey Graham speaks at an event in Germany, 14/2. *Photo: Reuters*

The U.S. senator highlighted that Venezuela and Iran together hold 31% of the world's oil reserves. "The U.S. will form partnerships with those who hold these oil reserves. This will be China's nightmare. This is a profitable investment," he stated.

The conflict in Iran erupted on 28/2 and shows no signs of de-escalation. The clashes have resulted in over 1,500 deaths, and numerous oil and energy infrastructure facilities in the Middle East have suffered damage.

Iran has declared the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of the world's oil passes, and attacked about 10 cargo ships traversing the strait. These military operations have largely forced shipping companies to abandon the Hormuz route, causing world oil prices to escalate.

U.S. officials believe they can lower oil prices by launching fierce attacks to cripple Iran's capacity to attack oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. However, this presents a significant challenge for the U.S., given Iran's rugged coastal terrain, which can easily become a launchpad for covert UAVs, making detection and attack difficult for opponents.

Graham also mentioned that the U.S. is asking Gulf states to participate in airstrikes against Iran. "They are also being attacked by Iran. We sell them weapons, and Iran is attacking them. The U.S. will not go to the Middle East to fight alone." Gulf nations have not commented on this statement.

Duc Trung (According to FOX News, AP, Washington Post)