Iran war has cost $25B, Pentagon says. And, SCOTUS strikes blow to Voting Rights Act

Good morning. You're reading the Up First newsletter. Subscribe here to get it delivered to your inbox, and listen to the Up First podcast for all the news you need to start your day. Today's top stories The Pentagon estimates the war in Iran has already cost $25 billion , according to Pentagon Comptroller Jay Hurst. Hurst testified before the House Armed Services Committee yesterday alongside Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who offered no indication of when the war might end during his combative testimony . Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testifies about the Iran war before the House Armed Services Committee on Wednesday. Hegseth described the military operation as a major success and criticized 'defeatist' Democrats who pushed back against his assessment of the war. Rod Lamkey Jr./AP hide caption toggle caption Rod Lamkey Jr./AP 🎧 There are no signs that the U.S. or Iran will budge on their blockades of the Strait of Hormuz , NPR's Greg Myre tells Up First . Shipping traffic through the waterway remains at a standstill, and both sides say they are inflicting economic pain. Both sides also believe the other will give in first, Myre adds. Retired Navy Vice Admiral Kevin Donegan says the U.S. could keep the blockade in place indefinitely. Iran also believes it can maintain the blockade by using a mix of mines at sea and drones and missiles from the shore. Donegan tells Myre that the U.S. …