WASHINGTON: The US military’s operations against Iran have already cost billions of dollars in the opening days of the conflict, with expenditure on munitions alone reportedly reaching between $5.6 billion and $6 billion, according to multiple news outlets. The Pentagon has so far declined to comment publicly on these figures, though they were reportedly shared with Congress on Monday.
Reports from The New York Times indicate that Pentagon officials informed lawmakers the first week of operations cost roughly $6 billion, with around $4 billion spent specifically on munitions and missile interceptors. Similarly, CBS News reported that $5.6 billion was spent in just the first 48 hours of the conflict, a figure corroborated by The Washington Post and verified by The Hill as part of congressional briefings. Reuters, citing US administration sources, also confirmed $5.6 billion in munitions costs during the initial days of the conflict.
Analysts warn that total operational costs could exceed $10 billion within ten days, fueled by high-intensity strikes and the extensive use of high-precision, technologically advanced weaponry. While Pentagon officials have not publicly confirmed the 10-day projections, the rapid expenditure has raised concerns among lawmakers over the depletion of munitions stockpiles and the broader fiscal impact of sustained military operations.
The conflict, which began on February 28, has placed unprecedented financial pressure on US military resources. A non-partisan Washington-based think tank estimates that Operation Epic Fury is costing the US government nearly $900 million per day, with the first 100 hours (H+100) alone costing $3.7 billion. The scale of expenditure underscores the high cost of modern, technology-intensive warfare, where precision weapons and advanced strike systems dominate operational strategy.
CBS News also reported that approximately 140 US service members have been wounded during the first ten days of operations, reflecting the human as well as financial toll of the campaign.
A breakdown of costs compiled by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) categorizes spending as follows:
- Operational costs: approximately $196 million
- Munitions replacement: approximately $3.1 billion
- Replacement of combat losses and infrastructure repair: approximately $359 million
The early financial figures highlight the enormous expense of rapid, large-scale military action, raising questions about long-term sustainability and the impact on the Pentagon’s broader defense budget as operations continue in Iran.
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