- The United States war against Iran has cost at least $11.3 billion in first six days
- President Trump vows to finish the war soon despite running out of targets
- Lawmakers express concern over depleting military stockpiles, as they await potential $50 billion funding requests
The first week of the United States’ campaign against Iran has already cost over $11.3 billion, lawmakers were told in a closed-door Pentagon briefing, underscoring the pace at which the conflict is consuming military resources and munitions.
According to a report by the New York Times, the figure does not include many costs related to the buildup preceding the strikes, suggesting the total could rise significantly.
Defense officials had previously revealed that approximately $5.6 billion worth of munitions were used in the first two days alone, a burn rate far higher than earlier public estimates.
The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) estimated that the first 100 hours of Operation Epic Fury cost $3.7 billion, or more than $891 million per day, with $3.5 billion not previously budgeted.
Meanwhile, the Iran War Cost Tracker website reported that the United States had spent over $17 billion by Thursday, March 12, noting that the daily war expenditure averages $1 billion. The site cautioned that long-term expenses, including veteran healthcare, will likely drive the total even higher.
Officials from President Donald Trump’s administration briefed senators that the first six days of the war alone cost at least $11.3 billion.
Congressional aides expect the White House to request additional funding for the conflict, with estimates ranging from $50 billion to potentially higher sums.
President Trump, speaking in Hebron, Kentucky, emphasised the United States’ commitment to continuing the conflict, saying: “We don’t want to leave early, do we? We’ve got to finish the job, right?”
Earlier in the week, Trump had suggested that the war might soon be over, acknowledging that U.S. forces had run out of targets but insisting that the fight would continue until objectives were fully achieved.
The military campaign began on February 28 with coordinated U.S. and Israeli airstrikes. The operation has so far claimed around 2,000 lives, predominantly Iranians and Lebanese, and has disrupted global energy markets and transportation.
Meanwhile, lawmakers have voiced concerns over the rapid depletion of U.S. military stockpiles, noting that the defense industry is already struggling to meet domestic and international demand.
In response, Trump met with executives from seven defense contractors to discuss replenishing supplies.
Democratic lawmakers have also called for public testimony under oath to clarify the administration’s long-term plans and strategy for Iran.