US Military Spends $47 Billion in Iran Conflict

The United States military has spent more than $47 billion to date in its campaign against Iran. This figure exceeds the Defense Department’s July estimate by more than 25%, according to Pentagon data reviewed by Reuters.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth previously projected the conflict would cost $37.5 billion. The new total includes operational expenses such as flight operations and cyber support. It does not fully account for the expected repairs to US bases damaged by Iranian missile and drone strikes.

The department estimates that replacing expended munitions will require an additional $29 billion. Another $6 billion is needed to replace military equipment and platform losses, which include aircraft and drones lost during the fighting.

President Donald Trump initiated the war alongside Israel in February. He stated at the time that the conflict would be short. The initial strategy relied on expensive precision missiles to suppress Iranian defenses before switching to cheaper gravity bombs like JDAMs.

An April ceasefire allowed Iran to recover. The country dug out underground storage facilities and restored access to some defenses, missiles, and drones that had been inaccessible. Trump has since imposed a naval blockade to cut off Iran's oil export revenue.

US officials speaking on condition of anonymity said the Pentagon is planning to restart heavy fighting if ordered. Trump has suggested that combat operations may resume after the November 3 midterm elections. The conflict has weighed on President Trump’s approval ratings and Republican support ahead of the vote.

The war remains unpopular among voters. Republicans currently hold a narrow majority in both chambers of Congress. The upcoming election will determine control of the legislative branch for the next two years. The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment on its non-public estimate.