Politics
The United States’ spending on military operations against Iran has exceeded $47 billion, according to Pentagon figures. The amount is 25 percent higher than the Defense Department’s estimate in July.
The United States’ spending on military operations against Iran has exceeded $47 billion, according to Pentagon figures. The amount is 25 percent higher than the Defense Department’s estimate in July. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth put the cost of the war against Iran at $37.5 billion in July. The latest figure exceeding $47 billion highlights a significant increase in the financial burden of the conflict.
The rising cost of the war comes as the Republican Party faces political repercussions ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. The elections will determine the balance of power in the US Congress for the next two years. The war with Iran and rising global energy prices has affected public support for Republican candidates. The party currently holds narrow majorities in both chambers of Congress.
According to British news agency Reuters, the Pentagon’s latest estimate covers the costs of military operations. However, replenishing weapons and ammunition used during the war will require more than $29 billion. In addition, more than $6 billion is expected to be needed to replace military equipment and platforms destroyed during the conflict, including aircraft and a large number of drones. The Pentagon has not yet publicly released its latest estimate and did not immediately respond to Reuters’ request for comment.
President Donald Trump launched the war against Iran in February in coordination with Israel, initially expressing the expectation that the conflict would not last long. The initial US strategy involved targeting Iran’s defense systems with expensive, advanced missiles, with the aim of subsequently relying on comparatively cheaper weapons. These included Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) guided bombs used in airstrikes, of which the United States maintains large stockpiles.
The ceasefire reached in April gave Iran an opportunity to clear debris from underground storage facilities and restore some of the defense systems, missiles and drones stored there to operational use. These assets had previously become inaccessible following US attacks. Trump subsequently imposed a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz to restrict Iran’s oil export revenues. He has also indicated the possibility of resuming military operations against Iran after the midterm elections. US officials told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity, that the Pentagon would resume large-scale military operations against Iran if ordered to do so.
