Iran War Cost to US Crosses $47 Billion, Over 25% Higher Than July Estimate: Pentagon Data

The US military's total spending on the Iran war has crossed $47 billion, according to a report by the news agency Reuters. This is more than 25 per cent higher than the $37.5 billion estimate that Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth gave the US Senate in July 2026. The figures have emerged just before the US midterm elections on 3 November and have caused a stir in Washington's political circles.

$29 Billion to Replace Ammunition and Missiles

According to Reuters, a confidential report prepared by US Central Command (CENTCOM) on 16 October and shared with the US Congress shows that the largest part of the war's total cost is the replacement of weapons and ammunition. A sum of $29 billion is needed to replace the missiles, interceptors and smart bombs fired against Iran and its proxy groups. In addition, $6.1 billion has been set aside to replace US military equipment destroyed during the war.

$12 Billion for Operations, $7.6 Billion for Air Force Support and Missions

The report says about $12 billion has been provided for the direct operational costs of military activity. A further $7.6 billion has been spent on supporting US Air Force personnel, airlifting, managing forward military bases, maintaining secure communication systems, and handling logistics and transport within the war zone.

The report specifically notes that this $47 billion total does not yet include the costs that will be needed to repair the heavy damage that Iranian missile and drone attacks caused to US military bases in the Middle East. This means the actual financial burden could be considerably higher.

Moody's Analytics Puts Indirect Burden at $2,000 Per US Household

According to a report by The Hill, the cost of the conflict has been rising steadily since May and July. In early September, the Pentagon had put its spending estimate at $43.6 billion, but the figure has risen by more than $3 billion in the past month alone. Financial research firm Moody's Analytics says the conflict, which began in February, has caused a sharp rise in global energy and oil prices. As a result, every American household is now bearing an indirect economic burden of about $2,000 on average.

Preparations Also Made for Next Phase of War

According to The Hill, President Donald Trump is considering options for a large-scale air campaign against Iran after the midterm elections. If the White House gives the go-ahead, CENTCOM has already prepared a plan for the second phase of operations, which would target key strategic sites inside Iran. Meanwhile, addressing an election rally in Corpus Christi, Texas, Trump claimed that the current situation in the Middle East is proving very beneficial for the United States and that the conflict will end very soon.

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