The United States has for the first time officially disclosed the scale of financial expenditures on its military campaign against Iran. According to the Pentagon, the operation has cost approximately $25 billion since late February 2026. The figure was presented during Congressional hearings and marks the first public estimate of the conflict’s cost, which has been ongoing for just over two months and is currently accompanied by a fragile ceasefire.

According to defense officials, the bulk of the spending has gone toward munitions — ranging from precision-guided missiles to missile defense systems actively used during intensive strikes and interceptions. Additional funds have been allocated for troop deployments, equipment maintenance, and the replenishment of lost weaponry. However, the full breakdown of costs has not yet been disclosed, leaving room for the total to rise further.

The conflict began on February 28 with large-scale U.S. strikes on Iranian targets and quickly escalated into a broader military confrontation involving significant forces. Tens of thousands of troops and at least three aircraft carrier strike groups were deployed to the region. U.S. casualties remain relatively limited so far, with reports of 13 killed and hundreds wounded, but the intensity of operations and the scale of resources involved remain high.

Politically, the disclosure of the $25 billion figure carries particular weight. It comes amid approaching U.S. midterm elections and growing criticism from Democrats, who link the war to rising living costs. Polling data suggests public approval of the conflict has dropped to around 34%, reflecting increasing domestic discontent.

The economic consequences are already extending far beyond direct military spending. Escalation in the Persian Gulf and disruptions to energy supplies have led to a sharp rise in oil prices — more than 7% in a single day — further intensifying inflationary pressure in the United States and globally. This creates a dual effect: government spending is rising while the domestic economic situation worsens.

 

Experts note that the current $25 billion estimate is likely only preliminary. It does not account for long-term costs such as infrastructure recovery, veteran care, equipment servicing, and potential additional funding packages. Analysts already suggest the final cost could significantly exceed this figure, particularly if the conflict drags on or escalates further.

Against this backdrop, the U.S. administration continues to insist on the strategic necessity of the operation, stating that its goal is to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. However, domestic debate over the proportionality of the costs and the effectiveness of the military strategy is intensifying, making the financial burden of the war not only an economic issue but also a key political factor in the months ahead.

 

CCBS Expert Group

#USA

#ANALYSIS

#IRAN

29.04.2026 08:38