US Iran War Cost Rises to $43.6 Billion

The cost of the US military campaign in the Iran war has climbed to $43.6 billion as of September 3, according to a new estimate from US Central Command provided to lawmakers, AP News Agency said.

The latest figure represents a significant increase from the $38 billion estimated by US the Congressional Budget Office through August 1. The CBO had warned that the conflict could cost the United States around $3 billion per month, depending on the intensity and duration of military operations.

A major portion of the latest spending has gone toward weapons and ammunition. US Central Command estimates that munitions costs have reached $28.1 billion, compared with $21.7 billion in the previous CBO estimate. The increase reflects continued use of expensive weapons, particularly defensive missile interceptors deployed to protect US forces and bases across the Middle East.

The overall military cost includes expenses related to operating US warships, aircraft and military bases, as well as equipment losses and medical support for troops. According to Pentagon casualty figures, 18 US service members have been killed and more than 830 wounded during the conflict.

The latest estimate does not include the full cost of damage to US military facilities in the region. A recent Pentagon inspector general report said Iranian missile and drone attacks have damaged or destroyed hundreds of buildings and other structures at US bases in Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman and Jordan.

The rising cost comes as the Trump administration seeks congressional approval for a proposed $1.5 trillion military budget. The White House is also seeking approval for a separate $95 billion package to support the Iran war and other priorities.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has urged

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has urged lawmakers to approve the larger defense budget, saying it would support major investments in the US military and defense manufacturing sector.

Meanwhile, Democratic senators have demanded a detailed accounting of the war’s expenses from the Pentagon, arguing that Congress and the public need greater transparency as military casualties and taxpayer costs continue to rise.

The conflict is also putting pressure on US and allied missile supplies. US and NATO officials have warned of serious shortages of missile interceptors, while Saudi Arabia has also sought additional support as regional tensions continue.