Iran War Bill Hits $47 Billion
The U.S. Central Command estimate includes munitions replacement costs but excludes $184 million in base damage.
By Noor Phillips ·
President Donald Trump stated at a rally in Lubbock, Texas, that the war with Iran will end "whenever I want it to." He insisted that Tehran must never possess a nuclear weapon and described a conclusion as potentially quick but requiring a proper ending. Trump called for a "total statement" from Iran confirming it would not obtain a nuclear weapon.
The president made these remarks while facing a 32% approval rating, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Monday. The low standing is attributed to rising energy costs and affordability concerns. The United States holds its midterm elections on Nov. 3, which is one week from today.
The financial strain on American households has become a central part of the political debate. Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody's Analytics, told reporters on Oct. 12 that the war has cost American families an average of $2,000. He broke that figure down into $1,100 for higher energy costs, $540 for higher interest rate costs, and $360 for increased military spending.
According to a report by The Hill, a U.S. Central Command estimate from Oct. 16 placed the total cost of the conflict at $47 billion. That amount is approximately $3 billion higher than earlier figures. The majority of that spending went toward replacing munitions.
The $47 billion total does not include damage to military bases in the Middle East. A lead inspector general report to Congress estimated that damage at $184 million as of June 29. That calculation includes damage from Iranian strikes to U.S. diplomatic facilities in Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Trump has said he will soon decide whether to "make a deal" with Iran or "finish it off." The New York Times reported that U.S. and Israeli militaries have drawn up specific plans for a "short but intensive" series of strikes on Iran after the midterm elections. The United States evacuated diplomats from Saudi Arabia earlier this month.
The conflict has led to shortfalls in U.S. munitions. Trump claimed on Sept. 3 that the country had "virtually unlimited" ammunition.
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