Summary
U.S. Central Command estimates that the war with Iran cost the U.S. military at least $47.1 billion by mid-October. The estimate includes replacing munitions and equipment and other added costs, but excludes damage to U.S. bases in the Middle East.Key Facts
- CENTCOM put the cost of replacing expended munitions at about $29 billion.
- The estimate includes $6.1 billion to replace lost equipment.
- CENTCOM counted about $11.9 billion in added costs, including support for U.S. service members.
- The estimate does not include damage to U.S. military bases in the Middle East.
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said three months earlier that the war had cost about $37.5 billion, also excluding base damage.
- The Congressional Budget Office estimated last month that the war could cost $2 billion to $3 billion per month while it continues.
- The Pentagon inspector general said the number of munitions used had created strategic inventory shortfalls, and the Defense Department is working to speed up production.
- The Trump administration requested supplemental military funding from Congress earlier this year, but the request had not passed as of the article.
