President Donald Trump’s war against Iran has cost the U.S. military more than $47 billion, exceeding Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s July estimate by over 25%, according to Pentagon data, as lawmakers warn of mounting taxpayer costs and inflationary pressures.
Pentagon Faces Mounting Weapons Replacement Costs
The latest estimate, obtained by Reuters, represents a significant increase from July 21, when Hegseth told the Senate Appropriations Committee, “Senator, the estimate we have as of today is $37.5 billion.”
Reuters separately reported on Wednesday that the military expects to spend more than $29 billion to replace expended munitions and another $6 billion to replace lost equipment, including aircraft and drones.
The estimate also covers operational expenses but does not clearly account for repairs to American bases damaged by Iranian attacks.
The Pentagon has not publicly released the figures and has not immediately responded to Benzinga’s request to confirm the reported cost.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) previously questioned the war’s escalating costs, declaring on October 22, “Nobody can seem to explain what this war has accomplished or when it will end.”
Economists Warn War Is Fueling Inflation
The Congressional Budget Office estimated in September that higher energy prices resulting from the conflict added 2.3 percentage points to the annualized inflation rate in the second quarter and projected that the conflict would push inflation 0.5 percentage points higher in early 2027.
Sen. John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) highlighted the broader economic burden during a September 23 Senate speech. “You’re paying for this war every day: when you fill up your tank, buy your groceries, and pay your rent,” he said.
The concerns follow earlier warnings about soaring gasoline and diesel prices, which have pressured household budgets.
Trump Defends Conflict Despite Rising Costs
Trump previously characterized higher fuel and fertilizer costs as a “small price to pay” for preventing Iran from threatening American cities.
However, the president has left open the possibility of renewed military operations after November’s midterm elections, with Pentagon officials preparing for further combat if Trump authorizes it, potentially increasing costs beyond the latest estimate.
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