The Iranian government on Tuesday estimated the cost of the war launched by the United States and Israel since February at $270 billion.

AFP reported that Iranian government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani told the Russian state news agency RIA Novosti that the figure was a preliminary estimate.

According to Mohajerani, the first step in arriving at a more complete figure for reparations would be to evaluate damage to buildings. She said the economic losses and lost tax revenues would also be analysed. Mohajerani added that the Iranian government would seek compensation from the United States and Israel.

She added that the issue had been part of discussions with the United States during recent direct talks in Islamabad at the weekend.