Defense Department officials told senators that the first six days of the Iran war cost more than $11.3 billion, though lawmakers say the true total is likely higher because some expenses are not yet included. The estimate comes as the administration prepares a supplemental funding request to Congress. The conflict, now in its 11th day, has caused hundreds of casualties across the region and involved attacks near the Strait of Hormuz, where U.S. Central Command says it neutralized multiple Iranian vessels.
Pentagon: First Six Days Of Iran War Cost Over $11.3 Billion, Lawmakers Say True Total May Be Higher
A U.S. Air Force B-1 Lancer bomber on the tarmac at RAF Fairford in southwest England on Wednesday. (Henry Nicholls / AFP via Getty Images)(Henry Nicholls)
WASHINGTON — Defense Department officials told senators in a closed-door briefing that they estimate the first six days of the war in Iran cost more than $11.3 billion, according to three people familiar with the session.
Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) told reporters he believes the actual total is likely higher because the current figure does not account for all aspects of the conflict. “I expect that the current total operating number is significantly above that,” Coons said. “If all you’re looking at is the replacement cost for the munitions used, it’s already well beyond $10 billion.”
“If all you’re looking at is the replacement cost for the munitions used, it’s already well beyond $10 billion.” — Sen. Chris Coons
A Pentagon spokesperson declined to comment on closed-door briefings and said, regarding the cost of Operation Epic Fury, “we won't know the cost until the mission is complete.” The briefing was first reported by The New York Times.
Costs, Funding And Congressional Action
The estimate for less than a week of fighting arrives as the administration considers how much to request from Congress in a supplemental funding bill to cover mounting war expenses. Lawmakers on the appropriations subcommittee will play a central role in drafting that legislation and determining whether additional resources are needed to replace munitions, support operations and address humanitarian and reconstruction needs.
The dignified transfer of Army Reserve Sgt. Declan Coady, who was killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait, at Dover Air Force Base, Del., last week. (Mark Schiefelbein / AP)(Mark Schiefelbein)
Casualties And Regional Impact
The conflict, now into its 11th day, has produced hundreds of casualties across the Middle East. The Iranian Red Crescent Society reported more than 1,200 deaths in Iran. Other reported casualties include 570 deaths in Lebanon (per the Lebanese prime minister’s office), 13 deaths in Israel, and six deaths in the United Arab Emirates. U.S. officials say seven U.S. service members have been killed and 140 wounded.
It remains unclear how long the war will last. President Donald Trump offered conflicting comments, saying the war could end “very soon,” while also acknowledging that it might be only “the beginning,” a point echoed by Defense Department officials.
Maritime Tensions Near Strait Of Hormuz
Tensions have escalated after at least three ships were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting warnings from U.S. leaders that such attacks would lead to a stepped-up response. U.S. Central Command said it had “eliminated” 16 Iranian minelayers and multiple naval vessels operating near the strait.
This article was originally published on NBCNews.com.
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