Just over two weeks into the war against Iran, the cost to the United States has already reached tens of billions of dollars and is growing at a rate that is causing concern even within Congress.
Rising Costs of Conflict
Initial reports from the Pentagon estimate that Washington spent more than US$11 billion in the first six days of fighting. Of that amount, US$5.6 billion was spent in the first two days, primarily on precision missiles and other armaments.
The average daily expenditure during the start of the campaign reached more than US$2 million, later decreasing to around US$1 million per day as cheaper munitions were used. The leverage of weapons like the AGM-154 precision glide bomb contributed to the high initial costs, according to The Fresh York Times.
Financial Strain and Future Projections
Extrapolating the spending rate, the direct cost to the U.S. Could be between US$20 billion and US$25 billion after more than two weeks of conflict, though an official consolidated figure is not yet available. However, the total cost could be even higher.
According to the British newspaper The Guardian, the figures released do not include the costs of deploying and maintaining troops in the Middle East, replenishing lost aircraft or drones, defense missile systems (Patriot or THAAD interceptors), medical care, and military logistics. Some legislators anticipate the White House will request an additional package of up to US$50 billion to fund the war and replenish weapons.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much has the war cost the United States so far?
The United States has already spent tens of billions of dollars in the war against Iran, with over US$11 billion spent in the first six days of fighting.
What weapons have been used in the conflict?
Weapons used in the initial strikes against Iran included the AGM-154 precision glide bomb and Tomahawk land attack missiles.
What is the projected future cost of the war?
If the conflict continues at the current rate, the direct cost to the U.S. Could be between US$20 billion and US$25 billion. Some officials believe a request for an additional US$50 billion in funding is likely.
As the conflict continues, what impact will these escalating costs have on long-term U.S. Foreign policy and defense priorities?
