U.S. Faces Significant Costs on First Day of Iran Operation

The United States incurred an estimated $779 million in expenses during the first 24 hours of its military operation against Iran, according to a report by Anadolu Agency. The figure was calculated based on an analysis of available budgetary data and operational cost estimates.

The report states that the amount represents approximately 0.1 percent of the total U.S. defense budget for fiscal year 2026.

According to United States Central Command, the operation involved the deployment of B-2 stealth bombers, F-22, F-35 and F-16 fighter aircraft, A-10 attack aircraft, and EA-18G electronic warfare jets.

The mission also included MQ-9 Reaper drones, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, guided-missile destroyers, and Patriot and THAAD missile defense systems.

Central Command said four B-2 stealth bombers conducted long-range flights from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, striking designated targets with 2,000-pound Joint Direct Attack Munitions. The operational, maintenance, and weapons costs associated with the B-2 aircraft alone were estimated at approximately $30.2 million.

Additionally, the deployment of F-18, F-16, F-22, and F-35 fighter jets across multiple sorties was estimated to have cost around $271.34 million.

The expenditure calculations were derived from U.S. defense budget data for fiscal years 2025 and 2026. However, the reported figures have not been independently verified.