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The cost of the Iran war has risen to $43.6B, Pentagon tells Congress - USA Today
WorldBy Zachary Schermele, Miles J. Herszenhorn9/18/20261 min read
The Pentagon estimates that the Iran war has cost more than $43.6 billion as of Sept. 3, according to an update shared with Congress.
✨ Key Highlights
- U.S. Central Command told congressional national security committees that the war in Iran has cost the U.S. military $43.6 billion as of Sept. 3, a figure likely undercounting the true expense.
- The estimate excludes repair costs for U.S. bases across the Middle East damaged by Iranian strikes, including the U.S. Navy's logistics hub in Bahrain.
- The Pentagon reported spending $28.1 billion to replace expended munitions such as bombs and air defense interceptors since the U.S. and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran on Feb. 28, contributing to a critical munitions shortage that could leave the U.S. exposed in regions like the Indo-Pacific.
- More than 50,000 American service members have deployed to Central Command's area to support the conflict, with at least 18 Americans killed and over 800 wounded; by service, the Navy has spent $2.2 billion, the Air Force $6.6 billion, and the Army $1.6 billion.
- Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Kentucky, introduced articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, alleging he violated the Constitution by continuing operations in Iran without congressional approval, prompting House Speaker Mike Johnson to cancel votes and send lawmakers home on Sept. 17 to avoid an impeachment vote.
- Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Illinois, sharply criticized Hegseth in a Sept. 16 interview, calling him the most incompetent defense secretary in the nation's history and saying his tenure has harmed national security and cost taxpayers billions.
WASHINGTON The war in Iran has cost the U.S. military $43.6 billion as of Sept. 3, according to an update shared with congressional national security committees by U.S. Central Command.
The cost upd