US PRESIDENT Donald Trump has been waging multiple battles all at once, some on the ground, others through rhetoric. Among the most striking has been his recent war of words with Pope Leo XIV, who has emerged as a moral counterweight to Washington’s hard-line posture. The pope openly criticised what he describes as America’s war-mongering approach and has urged the US and Iran to stay the course of dialogue, warning that the ongoing conflict is exacting a devastating toll on innocent lives, particularly inside Iran and Lebanon.

But who listens to such voices of restraint when the drums of war grow louder? Despite the so-called ceasefire being extended, the losses of the war continue, and the global economy is suffering because of the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. American losses are also increasing, and according to the Iran War Cost Tracker, Operation Epic Fury has been burning through an estimated $41.6 million per hour since Feb 28. This staggering figure does not even account for the broader ripple effects on global consumers, including nearly $21 billion in additional fuel costs borne by ordinary citizens. War, in this sense, is not only fought on battlefields; it is paid for in the everyday lives of millions.

The US has suffered fewer human losses compared to Iran. The tracker reports that 13 US service members have lost their lives, compared to the loss of Iranian military personnel and civilians which is reportedly in the thousands.

The other direct and indirect stakeholders in the region have also suffered losses, as Israel, despite maintaining military pressure, has absorbed missile strikes and........

© Dawn