Pentagon puts Iran war cost above $47 billion
The US military has spent at least $47.1 billion on the war with Iran through 16 Oct, according to a Pentagon estimate shared with Congress and reported by Reuters. Replacing expended munitions is projected to cost more than $29 billion, and replacing lost equipment such as aircraft and drones would require over $6 billion. The figure is more than 25 percent above Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's July estimate of $37.5 billion. The disclosure comes ahead of the 3 November election that will determine control of Congress. The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Key facts
- Bombs, missiles and other munitions account for more than 60 percent of the war's expenses.
- The Pentagon incurred about $3.5 billion in additional costs in the six weeks since its last estimate.
- The Congressional Budget Office says the war could cost $2 billion to $3 billion per month while it continues.
- The Air Force has spent $7.6 billion operating dozens of fighter and bomber squadrons.
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Why it matters
The rising cost of the war is likely to be a factor in the 3 November congressional election.
What changed
First published from The Straits Times, Al-Monitor, Rappler, CNBC and Daily Maverick