Iran war costs US $38 billion so far
The US war against Iran has cost the Pentagon an estimated $38.1 billion since the start of hostilities in February, with future months potentially adding another $2 billion to $3 billion each, depending on the intensity of fighting, according to the Congressional Budget Office.
The CBO released the estimate Tuesday in a letter to House Budget Committee Ranking Member Brendan Boyle. CBO Director Phillip Swagel said the figure includes the cost of replacing spent munitions and damaged equipment, as well as additional flying hours, fuel and other military operations linked to Operation Epic Fury.
Missile defense accounts for major share
Munitions replacement represents the largest portion of the estimated cost, at $21.7 billion.
Of that amount, approximately $13.1 billion was spent replacing missile-defense interceptors, highlighting the heavy use of US air-defense systems during Iranian missile and drone attacks.
The CBO estimated that another month of fighting at the lower intensity recorded in May and June would cost about $2 billion. At the intensity seen in July, the monthly cost could rise to approximately $3 billion.
Estimate differs from Pentagon figures
The CBO estimate is about 10% below the administration’s request for $42.3 billion in supplemental funding for costs directly related to the conflict.
It is also below Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s July estimate of $37.5 billion through September.
The CBO said the differences reflect variations in methodology and incomplete information available from the Pentagon.
War adds pressure to energy markets
The conflict has also affected the wider US and global economy.
Disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz have contributed to higher global oil and fuel prices, adding to inflationary pressures and affecting projections for interest rates through 2027.
Fighting expands across the region
The United States and Israel launched large-scale attacks against Iran on Feb. 28, targeting government facilities, military installations, missile infrastructure and air-defense systems.
Iran responded with missile and drone attacks against Israel and US military positions across the Middle East.
The fighting has since expanded across the region, while diplomatic efforts have continued alongside the military confrontation.
The CBO estimate underscores the growing financial burden of the conflict, with the cost of US military operations expected to rise further if hostilities continue at current or higher levels.
Source:AA
