Leaked Pentagon Document Puts US Cost of Iran War at Over $471 Billion
Amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East, a recent classified Pentagon document reportedly shows that the United States has spent more than $471 billion on its conflict with Iran so far. The figure, calculated through mid-October, is approximately 25 per cent higher than the Defence Department’s estimate in July.
According to Pentagon data, the bulk of the expenditure has gone towards replacing military weapons and ammunition. Nearly $29 billion alone has been spent on ammunition used in the conflict. In addition, approximately $11.9 billion has been spent on operational or strategic activities, while around $6 billion has gone towards rebuilding military aircraft damaged in combat and restoring other equipment and infrastructure.
Experts say the disclosure of such substantial military expenditure comes just ahead of the US midterm elections, which will determine control of Congress. The Republican Party is facing considerable pressure to manage the political fallout from the costly conflict. In July, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth put the cost of the war at $37.5 billion. However, as the conflict has intensified, its financial burden has continued to rise.
Analysts say the conflict is not only placing strain on the US economy but also beginning to have a significant impact on the country’s upcoming political calculations.
