U.S. War Costs on Iran Likely Far Exceed $25 Billion

 

Analysts say the Pentagon’s $25 billion estimate excludes key costs, pointing to a significantly higher financial burden.

Analysts question Pentagon estimate, citing omitted costs and limited transparency over total war spending

The Pentagon’s estimate that the United States has spent $25 billion on its war related to Iran is facing scrutiny from analysts, who argue that the real financial burden is likely much higher.

Senior U.S. defense officials presented the figure during a congressional hearing on Wednesday, describing it as the total cost incurred so far. However, calculations based on Pentagon data indicate that partial expenses alone—covering munitions, equipment losses, and operational activity—already reach approximately $14 billion.

This includes $8 billion allocated to munitions, $5 billion to replace destroyed aircraft and damaged equipment, and about $1 billion in operational costs linked to the deployment of two aircraft carriers and 16 destroyers over 39 days of sustained strikes.

The official estimate does not include several key categories of spending. Among them are the costs of repairing damaged infrastructure, such as the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain, as well as expenses related to the military buildup prior to February 28 and ongoing blockade operations.

Narrow accounting under scrutiny

Analysts have highlighted the limited scope of the Pentagon’s calculation. “It is clear that the Pentagon’s $25 billion figure represents a narrow estimate of the cost of waging war,” said Kelly Grieco, a senior fellow at the Stimson Center. “It doesn’t even include damage to bases, broader operational costs, or the Pentagon’s rising fuel bills.”

Senator Richard Blumenthal stated earlier this month that estimates presented to him—around $2 billion per day—were “a low number.” In parallel, the Center for Strategic and International Studies has estimated that munitions costs alone could reach approximately $25 billion.

During the hearing, Acting Pentagon Comptroller Jules Hurst said the $25 billion figure includes both munitions and operational costs but declined to provide a detailed breakdown. His response triggered a tense exchange with Representative Maggie Goodlander.

“It is gross negligence to sit here and be unable to justify spending billions of dollars,” Goodlander said.

Rising losses and operational expenses

U.S. military losses have added substantially to the overall cost. Dozens of aircraft have reportedly been lost, including MQ-9 Reaper drones, F-15E strike fighters, an E-3 airborne warning and control aircraft, KC-135 refueling tankers, one A-10 attack aircraft, and two MC-130J transport planes.

Replacing these systems is expected to require billions of dollars. Additional costs stem from damaged radar systems, each valued at hundreds of millions.

Operational expenses continue to accumulate. Aircraft carriers cost approximately $4.9 million per day to operate, while destroyers cost around $600,000 daily. A carrier air wing adds an estimated $3.8 million per day. For the 39-day combat period alone, operations involving two carriers, their air wings, and 16 destroyers are estimated at roughly $1 billion.

Iran has launched more than 1,850 ballistic missiles across the region, prompting the use of around 4,000 interceptor missiles in response. While the PAC-3 system remains central to missile defense, most interceptor launches have been carried out by Gulf states. Standard defense doctrine typically requires at least two interceptors per incoming missile, increasing overall costs.

The discrepancy between official figures and independent assessments continues to raise questions about the full scope of U.S. war spending and the transparency of its reporting.

Author: MK

Source: Al Mayadeen / PressTV