Overview
- The Pentagon data obtained by Reuters on Oct. 27 shows U.S. operational spending on the Iran war has risen to more than $47 billion, a rise of about 25% over the department's July estimate.
- That total includes roughly $29 billion to replace expended munitions and more than $6 billion to replace damaged or lost equipment and platforms, including many drones and aircraft, and it does not clearly cover extensive base repair bills.
- Service-level tallies provided to lawmakers show large operating costs for forces in the region, with the Air Force, Navy and Army reporting billions for flight operations, ship deployments and sustainment of ground forces.
- The higher cost is straining domestic politics ahead of the November 3 congressional elections and has weighed on support for Republican candidates and President Donald Trump's approval ratings.
- The U.S. continues a naval blockade on Iranian oil exports, the Pentagon has contingency plans to restart large-scale combat if ordered, and the administration is seeking emergency funding that could add tens of billions more to the bill.