Pentagon Puts $25 Billion Price Tag on U.S. War in Iran

Acting Pentagon comptroller Jules Hurst told the House Armed Services Committee on April 29 that the United States has spent about $25 billion on “Operation Epic Fury,” the campaign, begun Feb 28. He said most of the spending is for munitions, with the remainder covering operations, maintenance and equipment replacement. This is the first public figure for the war’s total cost.

Pentagon says U.S. war with Iran has cost about $25 billion as ammunition spending drives rising expenses

The war began after the United States and Israel launched air strikes on Iranian targets on Feb 28, an imminent nuclear threat. A six-day surge later cost at least $11.3 billion. A fragile cease-fire holds, while a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz persists.

NPR

Pentagon data show use of over 1,000 JASSM cruise missiles, a similar number of Tomahawk missiles and roughly 1,000 Patriot interceptors. Equipment losses include MQ-9 drones, several fighter jets and tankers. Thirteen U.S. service members have been killed and hundreds wounded. The $25 billion total equals the 2026 NASA budget.

Iran War Has Cost $25 Billion So Far, Pentagon Says

The estimate arrives six months before the 2026 midterms, when Democrats lead most polls. Gasoline prices have hit a four-year high, and a Reuters/Ipsos poll shows U.S. approval of the conflict at 34 percent, down from 38 percent in March. Lawmakers warn expense could hurt Republican prospects.

The Straits Times

Hurst said the Department will submit a supplemental funding request. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the spending, arguing that preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon justifies the expense. He characterized congressional criticism as reckless, feckless and defeatist.

Reuters

Rep. Adam Smith praised Hurst for providing a number and pressed for additional funding. Rep. John Garamendi called the war a “quagmire” and accused the administration of propaganda. Republicans joined Democrats in votes to end U.S. involvement, and the Senate rejected measures to end the war.

Reuters

External analysts estimate the total cost between $25 billion and $35 billion, arguing the Pentagon figure may omit base damage and aircraft losses. Hegseth has hinted the supplemental request could exceed $25 billion, covering munitions needs.

NOTUS

• “So approximately at this day, we're spending about $25 billion on Operation Epic Fury. Most of that is munitions,” — Jules Hurst, Acting Pentagon Comptroller

US has spent $25 billion on war with Iran: Pentagon

• “I'm glad you answered that question. Because we've been asking for a hell of a long time, and no one's given us the number.” — Rep. Adam Smith, Ranking Member, House Armed Services Committee

Channel News Asia - CNA

• “What would you pay to ensure Iran does not get a nuclear bomb?” — Pete Hegseth, U.S. Secretary of Defense

Reuters

• “It's very sustainable with the forces they have in the region now,” — Kevin Donegan, Retired U.S. Navy Vice Admiral

NPR

The Pentagon will forward a supplemental request through the White House after its cost review. Lawmakers are expected to debate the request alongside the FY 2027 defense budget, and oversight hearings may examine the war’s strategic objectives.

NBC News