The U.S. military has spent more than $47 billion to prosecute the war in Iran, a figure that is over 25% higher than the Defense Department’s estimate in July, according to Pentagon data obtained by Reuters.
The Pentagon's latest estimate, which has not been shared publicly, includes over $29 billion for operational costs and a projected $29 billion to replace expended munitions. An additional $6 billion is earmarked for replacing military equipment and "platform losses," such as aircraft, including many drones lost during the conflict.
President Donald Trump launched the war jointly with Israel in February, initially predicting a short duration. His administration's strategy involved using precision missiles to target Iran's defenses, aiming to later employ less expensive gravity bombs. However, an April ceasefire allowed Iran to reactivate underground storage facilities and bring previously inaccessible defenses, missiles, and drones back online.
Trump has since imposed a naval blockade on Iran to curb its oil export revenue and has suggested the possibility of resuming combat operations after the midterm elections. U.S. officials have indicated that the Pentagon is preparing for a potential restart of heavy fighting.
The current estimate surpasses Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's July projection of $37.5 billion for the war's cost. While the figures encompass operational expenses like flight operations and cyber support, they do not fully account for the extensive costs associated with repairing U.S. bases damaged by Iranian missile and drone attacks.
The rising cost of the Iran war and its impact on global energy prices have contributed to a decline in support for Republican candidates and President Trump's approval ratings. Republicans currently hold a narrow majority in both chambers of Congress, and the midterm elections on November 3 will determine control of Congress for the next two years.