USA · updated 1h ago · 2 min read
U.S. House Votes Third Time To End Iran War After $38 Billion Cost
The war cost about $38 billion through August 1, 2026. Inflation expected to rise about 0.5 percentage points in early 2027.
Whether the war cost includes wider economic and facility-repair costs.
2 of 3 outlets skipped it: trump administration plans to deliver 2,000-pound bombs to Israel.
Reuters was read line by line by the Watchdog: 5.0. See the score →
20outlets compared
Same story, two versions
tap a side to read it in full
CNN
“The estimate does not include the cost to repair US facilities damaged during the war”Read the original ↗
HuffPost
“Crucially, the $38 billion tab does not include the additional costs that U.S. consumers are bearing due to inflation caused by the war.”Read the original ↗
They stress different exclusions, shaping whether costs feel total or incomplete.
Cost, votes, and depletion
The U.S. House of Representatives voted for a third time to end the war in Iran, approving a war powers resolution with a final tally of 220-204, after a Congressional Budget Office report showed the conflict had cost at least $38bn and left America’s stockpile of defensive missiles so depleted it could take five years to rebuild.
“approving a war powers resolution a few hours after a Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report showed the conflict had cost at least $38bn”
The Guardian reported that the vote came hours after the CBO finding that the war’s costs would grow $3bn for every month the conflict continues, and that rebuilding Patriot, Thaad and navy interceptors “would probably take at least five years, even if production was increased.”
Reuters said the six-month-old U.S. war against Iran has cost $38 billion so far and is projected to rise by $3 billion a month, as the Trump administration searches for ways to end the conflict and reopen the vital Strait of Hormuz.
Reuters also reported that the Pentagon’s inspector general put the war cost through June 19 at $33.4 billion, and that the amount included about $184 million in damages to U.S. diplomatic facilities from Iranian strikes.
Impeachment and official pushback
Representative Thomas Massie introduced articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, accusing him of violating the War Powers Resolution and committing other abuses of power tied to U.S. military operations.
Newsweek quoted Massie saying, "Peter Brian Hegseth warrants impeachment and trial, removal from office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office," as the dispute over the Iran war and congressional authority played out during the midterm campaign.
Attorney General Todd Blanche defended Hegseth and dismissed the premise of Massie’s allegations, telling reporters that Hegseth was "doing a phenomenal job."
CBS News reported that the White House backed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Tuesday after Massie introduced articles of impeachment, with Attorney General Todd Blanche telling reporters that Hegseth was "doing a phenomenal job."
Inflation, readiness, and stakes
The Congressional Budget Office analysis released Tuesday said the Iran war is expected to increase inflation by roughly 0.5 percentage points in the first quarter of 2027, driven by higher energy costs tied to reduced shipments of oil and natural gas through the Strait of Hormuz and disruptions to shipping through the Red Sea.
“the “inflationary pressures caused by the reduction in shipments of oil and natural gas through the Strait of Hormuz”
CNN reported that the CBO expects the war to add roughly 0.5 percentage points to inflation during that period, and that the projected spike was tied to the “inflationary pressures caused by the reduction in shipments of oil and natural gas through the Strait of Hormuz.”C
The CBO also warned that rebuilding depleted U.S. stockpiles could take five years, and Reuters reported that the deficit in critical munitions, including missile interceptors, risks hampering the Pentagon’s response in the event of another major conflict.
Reuters said the cost inquiry was conducted at the request of Brendan Boyle of Pennsylvania, and that the report found the war had strained U.S. munitions stockpiles and driven up energy prices, raising concerns about the country’s ability to respond to other potential conflicts.