The Pentagon has disclosed that the US war on Iran has cost approximately $29 billion, a significant increase from earlier estimates. During a congressional testimony on 29 April, the Pentagon initially reported that the conflict had cost about $25 billion over roughly two months of spending. However, when asked about updated figures, Jules Hurst III, the chief financial official for the Pentagon, provided a revised estimate.
Updated Cost Breakdown
“At the time of testimony… it was $25 billion dollars. But the joint staff team and the comptroller are constantly looking at estimates and now we think it is closer to 29,” Hurst stated. He attributed the increase to “updated repair and replacement of equipment costs and also just general operational costs to keep people in theatre.”
Pentagon Response to Congressional Queries
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth addressed the issue of formal accounting for the war’s expenses. When pressed on when detailed cost information would be shared with Congress and the House Appropriations Committee’s defense subcommittee, Hegseth responded, “We will share what we can” when it is “relevant and required.” This statement suggests that the Pentagon may not provide a full breakdown of expenditures in the immediate future.
Jules Hurst, who is performing the duties of the comptroller, elaborated on the cost components, emphasizing that the updated figure includes expenses for repairing and replacing military equipment, as well as ongoing operational costs to sustain personnel in the region. The revelation comes amid ongoing debates about the financial burden of military engagements and the need for transparency in defense spending.
