Iranian MP Floats 90% Uranium Enrichment Threat if Combat Resumes; Pentagon Confirms $29B War Cost in Congressional Testimony — Day 74

An Iranian member of parliament publicly floated on May 12, 2026 (Day 74) that renewed US attacks could prompt Iran to consider 90% uranium enrichment — a significant escalation signal widely interpreted as a pressure tactic given the nuclear issue is the central sticking point in negotiations. The nuclear question remains unresolved: Iran had offered approximately 5 years of enrichment limitations and refused full IAEA access; the US demanded a 12–15 year moratorium and surprise inspections. IAEA has had no access to any of Iran's enrichment facilities since February 28. Separately, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine testified before both House and Senate Armed Services Committees on May 12, with acting Pentagon comptroller Jules W. Hurst III confirming the war has cost the United States at least $29 billion to date — up from Hegseth's April 30 confirmation of $25 billion over 63 days of active combat. Democrats on both committees pressed for a formal accounting and renewed calls for a War Powers Resolution as Trump signaled possible resumption of combat. No AUMF has been passed by Congress.