Iranupdated 1h ago2 min read
Archive photo · 10 April 1998Pentagon Says U.S. Military Spent Over $47 Billion In Iran War
7 West Asian6 Western Mainstream2 Asian3 Other source typesPhoto: "DoD photo by Master Sgt. Ken Hammond, U.S. Air Force." / US federal government, Public domain · Cropped for layout
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U.S. military spending on the Iran war exceeds $47 billion through Oct. 16, CENTCOM says. Bulk of costs is replacing expended munitions, about $29 billion.
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War cost tops $47b
The U.S. Department of Defense data released to Reuters said the U.S. military has spent to date more than $47 billion to wage the war in Iran, an increase of more than 25% compared with the department’s July estimate.
The U.S. military has spent at least $47.1 billion as of mid-October, citing a new estimate from U.S.
The Pentagon data described replacing expended munitions as the largest share of operating war costs, exceeding $29 billion, and it also cited more than $6 billion to replace military equipment.
The Pentagon estimate did not clearly indicate whether it included the cost of repairing damage to American bases caused by Iranian rocket and drone attacks, according to the Reuters-reviewed figures.
What the Pentagon counted
The bulk of the war’s price tag was the cost of replacing expended munitions, which CENTCOM pegged at around $29 billion. The military tallied $6.1 billion to replace lost equipment and around $11.9 billion in incremental costs like support for American service members.
The Reuters-reviewed Pentagon figures said the war began on February 28 and fought on multiple fronts, including American-Israeli strikes on Iran and naval confrontations in the Strait of Hormuz. The Reuters-reviewed figures said the war’s operating costs were also shaped by Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and energy infrastructure in the Gulf, which raised the rate of munition consumption and ongoing operating costs.
Political timing and next steps
The Pentagon data obtained by Reuters was revealed just days before the November 3 congressional elections that would determine which party controls Congress for the next two years.
The Pentagon estimate covered operational expenses associated with hostilities and resources needed to replace materiel used during the clashes, with more than 29 billion dollars for replenishing ammunition and another 6 billion dollars to replace equipment and military platforms.
The U.S. Central Command estimate obtained by CBS News said the Congressional Budget Office projected the war could cost $2 billion to $3 billion per month for as long as it continues.
President Trump suggested he might restart hostilities with Iran after next month’s midterm elections unless Iran agrees to a deal, quoting Trump: "We may do another little Epic Fury, or they'll agree,".