The U.S. military has spent more than $47 billion so far prosecuting the war in Iran, according to Pentagon data obtained by Reuters — more than 25% higher than the Defense Department’s estimate in July.
A bill that keeps growing
The latest estimate, put at about $47.1 billion as of October 16 and based on information provided by U.S. Central Command to Congress, compares with the $37.5 billion estimate cited by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in July, Reuters reported. The Pentagon has not publicly released the underlying estimate and did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The disclosure lands a week before the November 3 midterm elections, as Republicans wrestle with the political fallout of an unpopular conflict. The war’s impact on global energy costs has weighed on support for Republican candidates and hurt President Donald Trump’s approval ratings, Reuters noted.
Where the money goes
| Cost item | Estimated amount |
|---|---|
| Replacing expended munitions (missiles, bombs) | More than $29 billion |
| Replacing lost or damaged equipment, including aircraft and drones | More than $6 billion |
| Flight operations, logistics, cyber support and personnel | Remainder of the total |
| July 2026 estimate (Hegseth) | $37.5 billion |
| Latest estimate (as of Oct. 16) | About $47.1 billion |
Munitions account for the largest share of the bill. Trump launched the war jointly with Israel in February, predicting it would last a short time, and the initial strategy focused on using expensive, high-end precision missiles to bomb Iran’s defenses so cheaper munitions, including gravity bombs like the air-launched JDAMs, could be used later.
Why the fighting lasted longer than forecast
An April ceasefire gave Iran time to dig out underground storage facilities, bringing some defenses, missiles and drones back online, Reuters reported. Trump has since imposed a naval blockade on Iran to starve it of oil export revenue and held out the possibility of restarting combat operations after the midterm elections. U.S. officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, say the Pentagon has been planning to restart heavy fighting if ordered to do so.
The United States and Israel launched their joint air campaign against Iran on February 28. The conflict has continued far longer than the short operation initially forecast, and Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted global energy markets and pushed up oil prices, adding economic pressure ahead of the elections.
What the estimate does not include
The $47 billion figure should not be treated as a complete accounting of every financial consequence of the conflict. Reuters reported that the estimates did not clearly account for the cost of repairing U.S. military bases and facilities in the Middle East damaged by Iranian missile and drone attacks — an expense that could be massive.
What to watch next
Whether combat resumes after the midterms, and whether Congress demands a public accounting of the full cost — including base repairs — will shape both the war’s next phase and the debate over it in Washington.
Sources: Reuters via Devdiscourse, October 28, 2026; The Business Standard, October 28, 2026.
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