Washington: The US military’s estimated cost of the Iran war has exceeded USD 47 billion, according to Pentagon data obtained by Reuters, as Washington considers the possibility of renewed combat operations.
The figure is more than 25 percent higher than the USD 37.5 billion estimate Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth gave in July. The Pentagon had not published the latest assessment and did not immediately respond to the news agency’s request for comment.
The estimate covers operational expenses and projected replacement costs. More than USD 29 billion would be required to replenish munitions used during the conflict, while replacing lost equipment and military platforms, including aircraft and drones, would require more than USD six billion from Congress.
These projected costs form part of the assessment and should not be presented as additional amounts on top of the USD 47 billion figure.
President Donald Trump launched the war jointly with Israel in February, initially predicting a short conflict. US forces first used expensive precision missiles against Iranian defences, intending to create conditions for greater use of cheaper weapons later.
An April ceasefire, however, allowed Iran to regain access to underground storage facilities and restore some previously inaccessible missiles, drones and defensive capabilities, the report said.
Washington subsequently imposed a naval blockade intended to restrict Iran’s oil export revenue. Trump has left open the possibility of restarting combat after the November three congressional elections. US officials, speaking anonymously, said the Pentagon had prepared for renewed heavy fighting if ordered.
The assessment includes expenses such as flight operations and cyber support. It does not clearly account for the expected cost of repairing US bases damaged by Iranian missile and drone attacks, leaving uncertainty over the conflict’s full financial burden.
