Pentagon Puts the Cost of the Iran War to the US at No Less Than $47.1 Billion

The Pentagon has told Congress that the war on Iran had cost at least $47.1 billion as of October 16, Al Jazeera reported on Thursday, October 29, 2026 (7 Aban 1405), citing the New York Times. The estimate covers operational costs and a projected $29 billion to replace expended munitions; it lists $7.6 billion for Air Force fighter and bomber units, $1.5 billion for Navy warships and carriers, and $2.1 billion to sustain Army troops in the region.

Al Jazeera says the new figure is above the $38 billion estimated by the Congressional Budget Office in September and the $37.5 billion given by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in July, and that it excludes repairs to damaged bases and fuel costs. The disclosure comes days before the November 3 midterm elections; Democratic senators have accused the Pentagon of hiding the cost, and Trump has not commented on the estimate.