Early estimates from Pentagon briefings indicate the financial toll of the ongoing war could reach tens of billions of dollars if the conflict continues.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
The financial cost of the United States’ military campaign against Iran is rising rapidly, with congressional briefings and economic analyses indicating that the operation may already be costing hundreds of millions of dollars daily and potentially approaching $1 billion per day.
Pentagon officials informed lawmakers during a closed-door briefing that the first six days of the conflict alone cost more than $11.3 billion, according to reporting by The New York Times and NBC News, which cited individuals familiar with the meeting.
The figures discussed with members of Congress primarily reflect the direct operational costs of the early phase of the military campaign. Officials indicated that the estimate does not include additional expenses tied to military preparations prior to the strikes or long-term operational spending that could follow.
Sen. Chris Coons said the initial estimates may understate the true financial burden of the conflict.
“I expect that the current total operating number is significantly above that,” Coons told reporters, noting that early cost estimates largely reflect the replacement of munitions expended during the first wave of attacks.
The opening stage of the military campaign reportedly involved the use of advanced weapons systems, including AGM-154 glide bombs. Defense analysts estimate those munitions can cost between $578,000 and $836,000 each depending on configuration and deployment conditions.
Independent economic estimates suggest the pace of operations could push daily costs close to $1 billion depending on the scale and intensity of military activity.
Some analysts place the ongoing operational cost of the conflict in the range of $800 million to $1 billion per day.
Economic researchers say that if the military campaign continues for several weeks, the total price tag could grow substantially.
Analysts with the Penn Wharton Budget Model estimated that a two-month conflict could add roughly $65 billion in additional spending, according to analysis reported by Fortune.
Those potential costs come amid an already challenging fiscal outlook for the United States government.
Earlier projections from the Congressional Budget Office indicated that the federal deficit could rise to approximately 6.5 percent of the nation’s gross domestic product by 2035. At the same time, federal debt is projected to climb to roughly 120 percent of GDP.
Economists have warned that such levels could pose long-term fiscal challenges, particularly as interest payments on existing debt continue to grow.
Interest expenses currently account for nearly one-fifth of total federal spending, making additional borrowing for military operations increasingly costly.
If the conflict continues for an extended period, Congress would likely need to approve a supplemental appropriations bill to fund ongoing military operations.
Lawmakers from both political parties have begun raising questions about the potential duration of the campaign and the strategic objectives involved.
Some Republican members of Congress have called for increased investment in munitions production to ensure that U.S. military stockpiles remain sufficient during extended operations.
Other lawmakers have expressed caution about approving open-ended funding for a prolonged military engagement.
The debate over costs is unfolding as the federal budget already faces pressure from rising entitlement spending and increasing interest payments on government debt.
Meanwhile, the military situation in the Middle East remains uncertain.
The conflict has entered its second week with continued fighting across the region and heightened tensions near the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping corridors.
President Donald Trump has indicated that the military campaign could conclude in the near future, though he has also acknowledged that the timeline may depend on developments on the ground and the broader strategic situation.
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