Pentagon data puts Iran war bill past $47 billion
New figures show spending is 25% higher than July estimates, with an additional $35 billion earmarked for munitions and equipment replacement.
By Rebecca Foster ·
US military spending on the Iran war has exceeded $47 billion.
Pentagon data obtained by Reuters places the current operational cost at $47 billion. This figure is more than 25% higher than the Defense Department’s internal estimate from July. The Department of Defense did not immediately respond to a request for comment on its earlier projection.
The rising cost creates pressure for Republicans ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. The conflict has weighed on global energy prices and lowered President Donald Trump’s approval ratings. The Republican Party holds a narrow majority in both chambers of Congress. The election will determine control of Congress for the next two years.
The $47 billion figure covers operational costs such as flight operations and cyber support. The Pentagon projects an additional $29 billion to replace expended munitions used in the conflict. A further $6 billion is needed to replace military equipment and platform losses. These platform losses include aircraft and many drones lost during the war.
Trump launched the war jointly with Israel in February. He predicted the conflict would be short. His initial strategy used expensive precision missiles to bomb Iranian defenses. The goal was to allow the use of cheaper munitions, including gravity bombs like air-launched JDAMs. An April ceasefire allowed Iran to dig out underground storage facilities. This brought back online some defenses, missiles, and drones that had been inaccessible.
Trump has imposed a naval blockade on Iran to cut off oil export revenue. He has suggested restarting combat operations after the midterm elections. US officials speaking on condition of anonymity say the Pentagon has been planning to restart heavy fighting if ordered. The latest estimate compares to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s July estimate of $37.5 billion for the war's cost.
The current cost estimates do not clearly account for the expense of repairing damage to US bases. Iranian missile and drone attacks have sustained this damage.
