The US military campaign against Iran has cost the American budget at least $47.1 billion as of mid-October 2026. Compared with previous Pentagon estimates, the cost of the operation has risen significantly, with the largest share of spending related to the need to replenish stocks of used ammunition.
This is reported by CBS News citing new calculations from the US Central Command (CENTCOM) provided to American lawmakers. Similar data were published by The New York Times.
According to the US military's estimate, about $29 billion is for replenishing stocks of missiles and other ammunition used during combat operations.
Another $6.1 billion is the cost of replacing lost military equipment, and approximately $11.9 billion is additional operational expenses, including support for American service members involved in the campaign.
At the same time, the total does not include the cost of rebuilding American military bases in the Middle East that were damaged by Iranian missile and drone attacks. Therefore, the final cost of the military campaign could be significantly higher.
For comparison, in July, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth estimated the cost of the war at about $37.5 billion during testimony before Congress. The new estimate exceeds that figure by $9.6 billion, or more than a quarter.
At the same time, the stated $47.1 billion should not be viewed solely as budget payments already made. The calculations also include the estimated cost of replacing expended weapons and equipment.
High ammunition expenditures are putting additional strain on the US defense industry. According to CBS News, the Pentagon inspector general in September reported a strategic shortage of certain types of weapons caused by their intensive use in the war against Iran.
The US Department of Defense is already working to accelerate ammunition production. Of particular importance is replenishing stocks of interceptor missiles used to defend American forces and allies from Iranian attacks.
According to preliminary estimates from the Congressional Budget Office, continued combat operations could cost the US budget an additional $2-3 billion each month. In the event of a new large-scale exchange of strikes, costs could increase.
The administration of President Donald Trump has previously asked Congress to allocate additional tens of billions of dollars for military needs, including funding the campaign against Iran. However, as of October 27, the corresponding request had not yet been approved.
The new war cost data come amid uncertainty about Washington's next steps. Trump allows resuming large-scale strikes on Iran after congressional midterm elections if Tehran does not agree to a diplomatic settlement.
Based on materials from: CBS News, The New York Times
