Defense Spending: Iran War Bill Jumps to $47 Billion
Pentagon figures show operational costs have risen 25% since July, with additional billions required for munitions and equipment replacement.
By Marco Graham ·
The United States has spent more than $47 billion on the Iran war, according to Pentagon data obtained by Reuters on October 27.
This total exceeds the Defense Department’s July estimate of $37.5 billion by more than 25%. The new figure covers operational expenses such as flight operations and cyber support. It does not yet include the full cost of repairing damage to US bases caused by Iranian missile and drone strikes.
The war began in February when President Donald Trump and Israel launched joint operations. Trump predicted a short conflict but has since imposed a naval blockade to cut off Iranian oil revenue. An April ceasefire allowed Iran to restore underground defenses and reactivate missiles and drones.
Beyond operational costs, the military projects spending more than $29 billion to replace expended munitions. An additional $6 billion is needed to replace lost equipment, a category that includes aircraft and drones. The initial strategy relied on expensive precision missiles to clear defenses, followed by cheaper gravity bombs like JDAMs.
The rising costs are straining political support ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. Republicans hold a narrow majority in both chambers of Congress, and the war has weighed on President Trump’s approval ratings. Global energy costs have also contributed to the decline in support for Republican candidates.
US officials speaking anonymously said the Pentagon is planning to restart heavy fighting if ordered to do so after the elections. The Department of Defense has not yet publicly shared its updated cost estimates or responded to requests for comment.
The next scheduled event is the November 3 election, which will determine control of Congress for the next two years.
