The US military has spent over $47 billion so far on the war in Iran, according to Pentagon data. That figure is more than 25% higher than the Defense Department’s estimate in July. The Pentagon has not shared its latest estimate publicly.
The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The disclosure comes as Republicans grapple with the political fallout from the unpopular conflict ahead of the November 3 election, which will determine control of Congress for the next two years.
Operating and replacement costs drive the bill
The latest estimate reflects the operational costs of carrying out the war, including everything from flight operations to cyber support. It also projects more than $29 billion needed to replace munitions expended in the conflict.
Also read: Iran war shapes US midterm vote as fuel and grocery costs rise · Qatar urges Iran to show good faith amid US-Iran war talks
A further $6 billion or more would be needed to replace military equipment and so-called ‘platform losses’, which include aircraft such as many drones lost during the war. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s July estimate put the cost of the war at $37.5 billion.
Ceasefire and blockade shape the war’s expense
Trump launched the war jointly with Israel in February, predicting that it would last a short time. His initial strategy focused on expensive, high-end precision missiles to weaken Iran’s defenses, so that cheaper munitions, including gravity bombs such as air-launched JDAMs, could be used later.
An April ceasefire gave Iran time to dig out underground storage facilities and bring some defenses, missiles and drones back online. Trump has since imposed a naval blockade to starve Iran of oil export revenue, and has held out the possibility of restarting combat after the midterm elections. US officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the Pentagon has been planning to restart heavy fighting if ordered to do so.
Midterm politics and gaps in the cost figures
The war’s impact on global energy costs has weighed on support for Republican candidates and hurt Trump’s approval ratings. His party holds a narrow majority in both chambers of Congress.
The Pentagon’s figures include a host of operational costs but did not clearly account for the massive expense expected to repair damage to US bases. That damage was sustained from Iranian missile and drone attacks.
