- The Iran war has cost the U.S. military $43.6 billion as of Sept. 3, according to an update shared with congressional national security committees by U.S. Central Command.
- The Pentagon estimated it has spent $28.1 billion to replace expended munitions like bombs and air defense interceptors since the U.S. and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran on Feb. 28.
- More than 50,000 American service members have been deployed in Central Command’s area of responsibility to support the war.
- At least more than 800 have been wounded since the start of the conflict.
- The Navy has spent $2.2 billion to operate multiple aircraft carriers and more than 20 warships, the Air Force has spent $6.6 billion, and the Army has incurred $1.6 billion in costs.
- The latest cost estimate comes days after Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Kentucky, filed an impeachment effort against Defense Secretary for continuing military operations without congressional approval, and House Speaker sent lawmakers home on Sept. 17 to avoid a vote.
- The cost update is almost certainly an undercount because it does not include costs to repair buildings at U.S. bases across the Middle East, including the U.S. Navy’s logistics hub in Bahrain.
- The Pentagon did not respond to a request for comment.
The U.S. military's financial burden from the Iran war has escalated to $43.6 billion as of Sept. 3, according to U.S. Central Command's report to Congress.1
This figure includes $28.1 billion spent on munitions since the onset of airstrikes on Feb. 28, which the Pentagon acknowledges is likely an undercount.210
Costs associated with repairing damaged infrastructure at U.S. bases in the Middle East are not included, particularly affecting the Navy's logistics hub in Bahrain.567
Over 50,000 American service members have been deployed in the region to support military operations, with more than 800 reported wounded since the conflict began.34
The Navy has incurred $2.2 billion in operational costs for multiple aircraft carriers and over 20 warships, while the Air Force has spent $6.6 billion after losing dozens of aircraft.
The Army has also faced an additional $1.6 billion in expenses.
The Pentagon has not commented on these figures, which come amid political tensions, including accusations from Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Kentucky, against Defense Secretary for continuing military operations without congressional approval.89
House Speaker has also faced scrutiny, as lawmakers were sent home on Sept. 17 to avoid a vote on Massie’s impeachment effort.
“The $43.6B figure excludes repairs to bases like the Navy's Bahrain hub, making it an undercount. More than 50,000 service members have deployed, with over 800 wounded, and the Pentagon has not commented on the update.”
