Washington, according to the Wall Street Journal, has warned individual Gulf states against preparing a short but intense military campaign against Iran after the midterm elections in the United States. The preparations are accompanied by the deployment of additional forces, including Patriot air defense systems and an aircraft carrier strike group. We are talking about a possible new phase of hostilities, and not just political statements. The deployment of air and naval defense forces requires significant resources even before the start of the operation. At the same time, Washington must take into account the security of allies in the region, who receive advance notice of a possible escalation. Military spending has already become a separate issue. According to an estimate obtained by Reuters, US operations in Iran cost more than $47 billion - a quarter higher than estimates in July. Therefore, the promise of a short campaign does not mean a limited financial cost: a new escalation will begin against the background of the already increased costs. Ξeconomics.