The first week of the ongoing military conflict between the United States and Iran has reportedly cost Washington more than $11.3 billion, according to figures presented to lawmakers during a confidential Pentagon briefing.
The revelation, reported by The New York Times, highlights the enormous financial demands of the war and the rapid rate at which military resources and weapons are being consumed in the conflict.
According to the report, members of the United States Congress were informed about the staggering expenditure during a closed-door briefing held at the Pentagon on Tuesday.
Sources familiar with the briefing disclosed that the $11.3 billion figure covers only the immediate operational costs of the first week of fighting and does not include several other expenses related to the build-up to the military strikes against Iran.
Officials told lawmakers that the actual cost of the first week of the war could be significantly higher once other associated expenditures are factored in.
The figure presented during the briefing reportedly excludes numerous costs connected to the preparation phase before the attacks began. These include troop mobilization, deployment of additional naval assets to the region, logistical arrangements, intelligence operations, and transportation of equipment and personnel.
Because these expenses have not yet been included in the calculations, analysts believe the total financial burden of the conflict’s opening phase could rise considerably beyond the currently reported amount.
The briefing underscored how quickly modern warfare can drain national resources, especially when advanced weapons systems, long-range missiles, and air power are deployed in sustained operations.
Earlier reports from U.S. defence officials had already indicated that the military campaign was consuming munitions at an exceptionally fast pace.
According to U.S. media reports citing defence officials, roughly $5.6 billion worth of munitions were used within just the first two days of the conflict.
This level of expenditure far exceeded earlier public estimates and demonstrated the intensity of the military operations underway.
Military analysts note that modern precision-guided weapons, cruise missiles, and advanced air-delivered munitions are extremely expensive, meaning that even a few days of heavy combat can result in billions of dollars in costs.
The rapid consumption of these weapons also raises concerns about stockpile levels and the potential need to accelerate production to replenish military inventories.
Independent analysts have also attempted to calculate the financial cost of the conflict.
The Washington-based think tank Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) recently released its own estimate of the early stages of the military campaign.
According to the organisation, the first 100 hours of the operation—named Operation Epic Fury—cost approximately $3.7 billion.
CSIS analysts estimated that the United States was spending an average of more than $891 million per day during that initial phase.
The think tank also noted that most of these expenditures had not been included in previously approved defence budgets.
Specifically, about $3.5 billion of the spending during the first 100 hours was considered unplanned and therefore had not been allocated beforehand in government financial planning.
Such unexpected spending could require additional emergency funding from Congress if the conflict continues.
Meanwhile, an independent monitoring platform known as the Iran War Cost Tracker has been calculating the financial cost of the war in real time.
According to the tracker, the total cost of the conflict had surpassed $17 billion by approximately 08:00 GMT on Thursday.
The website estimates that the United States is currently spending roughly $1 billion per day on the war effort.
These estimates reflect the cumulative expenses associated with military operations, including air strikes, missile launches, logistics, and support activities.
However, analysts caution that the tracker’s figures still represent only a partial estimate of the true financial impact of the war.
Experts warn that the true cost of the conflict will extend far beyond the immediate expenses associated with combat operations.
One major factor not included in current estimates is the long-term cost of supporting military veterans who may require healthcare and other benefits after returning from combat.
Historically, veteran healthcare has represented a significant portion of the long-term financial burden of wars involving U.S. military personnel.
Additional long-term costs may also include:
- Reconstruction of damaged military equipment
- Replacement of depleted weapons stockpiles
- Ongoing military deployments in the region
- Interest payments on borrowed funds used to finance the war
When such factors are taken into account, the overall cost of the conflict could grow substantially over time.
The rapidly rising cost of the war has already begun to spark debate among policymakers in Washington.
Some members of Congress have raised concerns about the financial sustainability of prolonged military operations, particularly at a time when the United States is also dealing with domestic economic challenges.
Others argue that national security considerations require decisive action regardless of the financial cost.
Lawmakers attending the Pentagon briefing reportedly sought more detailed information about how the conflict is being funded and how long current military resources can sustain the pace of operations.
Defence officials are expected to provide additional updates as the situation evolves.
Military analysts note that large-scale wars involving advanced weaponry can generate enormous expenses in a very short time.
Modern air campaigns rely heavily on precision-guided missiles, drones, fighter jets, and advanced surveillance systems—all of which require sophisticated technology and costly maintenance.
For example, the launch of a single cruise missile can cost several million dollars, while operating advanced fighter aircraft involves high fuel, maintenance, and logistical expenses.
When hundreds of such weapons are used during intense military engagements, the financial costs quickly escalate into the billions.
As the war continues, analysts warn that the financial burden could increase dramatically if the conflict expands or drags on for an extended period.
Additional troop deployments, expanded air campaigns, or prolonged naval operations in the region could significantly raise daily spending levels.
For now, the early figures emerging from Pentagon briefings and independent estimates provide a glimpse into the immense financial demands of the conflict.
With more than $11.3 billion already spent in the first week, and estimates suggesting costs exceeding $1 billion per day, the war against Iran is rapidly becoming one of the most expensive military operations in recent years.
Whether the conflict remains limited or evolves into a longer and more complex confrontation will likely determine how much more the United States ultimately spends in the weeks and months ahead.
