US Spending on Iran War Exceeds $47 Billion

The United States’ military spending on the war against Iran has exceeded 47 billion dollars, according to a Pentagon estimate obtained by Reuters.

The latest figure represents an increase of more than 25 percent from the estimate released in July, when US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth put the cost of the war at 37.5 billion dollars.

In a report published on Tuesday, October 27, Reuters said the Pentagon’s latest estimate had not yet been officially released.

According to the figures, more than 29 billion dollars will be needed to replenish missiles and other ammunition used in the war. The Pentagon may also seek more than six billion dollars from Congress to replace or repair damaged and destroyed military equipment, aircraft and drones.

US President Donald Trump launched the war against Iran in February in a joint operation with Israel. Trump initially suggested the conflict would not last long. However, the war has driven up US military spending and affected global energy prices.

At the start of the conflict, US forces used expensive, precision-guided missiles to target Iran’s defence systems. Washington later planned to rely on less costly bombs. However, according to the report, Iran used an April ceasefire to reactivate underground weapons stockpiles and military defence systems.

Trump subsequently imposed a naval blockade on Iran to cut off its oil export revenues. He has also left open the possibility of resuming military operations after the US midterm elections. US officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the Pentagon was preparing to restart major military operations if ordered to do so.

The US midterm elections are scheduled for November 3 and will determine control of Congress. Rising energy costs and public dissatisfaction over the war have put Republican candidates under pressure. Republicans currently hold narrow majorities in both chambers of Congress.

However, the Pentagon’s estimate does not clearly include the substantial cost of repairing US military bases damaged by Iranian missile and drone attacks. This means the overall cost of the war could rise further.