US spent over $47 billion on war with Iran
Pentagon accounting shows $47 billion-plus in costs, including $29 billion to replenish munitions and $6 billion to replace destroyed equipment.
The United States armed forces have spent more than $47 billion on the war with Iran, a Pentagon accounting that exceeds earlier Department of Defense estimates by roughly 25 percent.
Costs, supplies and political fallout
The updated tally covers operational expenses for military actions and includes over $29 billion earmarked to replenish expended ammunition stocks. Pentagon officials say an additional $6 billion will be needed to replace destroyed equipment, including aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles.
The increase in costs emerged as Republican lawmakers seek to limit political damage from the unpopular war ahead of the congressional elections on November 3, when control of Congress for the next two years will be decided. The conflict’s effect on global energy prices has weakened support for some Republican candidates and dented President Donald Trump’s approval ratings; Republicans currently hold slim majorities in both chambers.
President Trump launched the war alongside Israel in February, initially predicting a short campaign. U.S. strategy at first relied on expensive precision-guided munitions to destroy Iranian air-defence systems, but American forces later shifted to cheaper, more widely available ordnance, including unguided bombs.
A ceasefire in April allowed Iran to clear underground storage sites and restore some of its defensive systems, missiles and drones that had previously been unavailable. Afterward, the United States imposed a naval blockade on Iran aimed at halting Iranian oil exports, while keeping the option to resume larger-scale military operations after the congressional vote.
Senior U.S. officials say the Pentagon is preparing to restart major operations if ordered to do so.
Photo: press material from the event
