Pentagon says US war in Iran has cost $29 billion

WASHINGTON - The United States' war in Iran has cost $29 billion so far, a senior Pentagon official said on Tuesday, an increase of $4 billion from an estimate provided late last month.

Jules Hurst, who is performing the duties of the comptroller, told lawmakers that the cost included updated repair and replacement of equipment and operational costs.

Rising Financial Toll

The rapid increase in costs reflects the intensity and duration of the conflict, which is now in its eleventh week. The figure covers air and naval operations, munitions expenditure, logistical support, and maintenance of forward-deployed forces supporting strikes against Iranian targets.

Pentagon officials noted that the sharp rise is largely driven by higher-than-expected consumption of precision-guided munitions, increased wear on aircraft and naval assets, and the need for rapid repairs following intensified operations aimed at degrading Iran’s military capabilities and securing key maritime routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.

This latest disclosure comes amid growing scrutiny in Washington over the financial burden of the conflict, even as President Donald Trump has signaled that core military objectives are “nearing completion.”

The $29 billion figure does not include long-term costs such as veteran care, reconstruction efforts, or potential future deployments. Defence analysts warn that if the conflict extends or requires additional major operations, the total expenditure could rise significantly higher.

The revelation is likely to fuel debate in Congress about supplemental funding requests and the overall strategy in the Middle East. Some lawmakers have already called for greater transparency and stricter oversight of war-related spending.