Iran war cost hits $47.1 billion through 16 October, Pentagon figures show

Cost estimate rises above $47 billion

The cost of the war against Iran reached $47.1 billion through 16 October, according to Pentagon figures shared with Congress and reported by The New York Times. Reuters, which obtained undisclosed Pentagon data, put the total at more than $47 billion and said it was more than 25% above the Defense Department's July estimate. That earlier figure, given by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, was $37.5 billion. The Pentagon still incurred about $3.5 billion in additional costs in roughly six weeks since it last shared estimates with lawmakers. The new figure has not been officially published, and the Department did not respond to Reuters' request for comment.

July estimate (Hegseth)37.5

Through 16 October47.1

July estimate (Hegseth)

37.5 $ billion

Through 16 October

47.1 $ billion

Data from the article text

Where the money goes

Munitions account for the largest share. Bombs, missiles and other munitions make up more than 60% of expenses, and replacing the munitions used in the war costs more than $29 billion. The Pentagon has spent $6.1 billion to replace damaged or destroyed combat aircraft and other weaponry and equipment, including what Reuters describes as platform losses such as aircraft and many drones. By service, the Air Force has spent $7.6 billion operating dozens of fighter and bomber squadrons, the Navy $1.5 billion deploying more than two dozen warships including several aircraft carriers, and the Army $2.1 billion sustaining its forces in the region. Special Operations commandos have cost $645 million, and more than 50,000 troops are assigned to the war mission, according to U.S. Central Command.

Air Force operations7.6

Army sustainment2.1

Navy deployment1.5

Special Operations forces0.645

Air Force operations

7.6 $ billion

Army sustainment

2.1 $ billion

Navy deployment

1.5 $ billion

Special Operations forces

0.645 $ billion

Data from the article text

The initial strategy relied on expensive precision missiles against Iranian air defences, before the military shifted to cheaper munitions such as gravity bombs and JDAM guided bombs. The estimates do not clearly include repairs to US bases damaged by Iranian missile and drone attacks, so the total should not be treated as the final cost.

Background and ceasefire

The United States and Israel launched the war against Iran in February, and Trump expected it to be short. The regime in Tehran was neither defeated nor brought to a negotiated peace. A ceasefire in April gave Tehran time to build underground storage and to reactivate air defences, missiles and drones that it had previously been unable to access. Trump later imposed a naval blockade on Iran to cut its oil export revenue.

Midterms and what comes next

Trump has said combat could resume after the congressional elections on 3 November, which will decide who controls Congress for the next two years. Anonymous US officials cited by Reuters said the Pentagon is preparing plans to resume heavy fighting if it receives the order. The president's party currently holds a narrow majority, and Republican candidates are losing ground in polls partly because of rising fuel prices linked to the war. Republicans hold narrow majorities in both chambers, and Reuters describes the conflict as unpopular. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced an intensification of attacks, according to TVP Info.