The U.S. Defense Department told Congress that the cost of the war in Iran had reached $45.1 billion, including $43.6 billion through September 3, 2026, plus $1.5 billion to cover the cost of additional fuel, according to sources familiar with the estimates submitted to lawmakers.
Munitions account for the largest share
Estimates from U.S. Central Command showed that replacing the bombs, missiles and munitions used since the war began on February 28, 2026, would require $28.1 billion, accounting for more than 60% of the cost recorded through September 3.
The remainder of the $43.6 billion estimate consisted of $11.2 billion in additional operating costs, including fuel, combat pay, aircraft, medical care and spare parts, and about $4.3 billion to replace lost or damaged equipment.
Congressional Budget Office estimates lower
The Congressional Budget Office had estimated in a report issued on September 15, 2026, that the cost of combat operations against Iran had reached about $38 billion through August 1, 2026, based on government databases and public reports.
The office estimated that continued fighting could add between $2 billion and $3 billion a month, depending on the level of escalation, noting that the use of air-defense missiles would reduce U.S. stocks for several years.
Estimate excludes facility repairs
The $45.1 billion estimate does not include the cost of repairing damaged U.S. military bases and buildings, nor does it provide a full accounting of the indirect costs of military operations, making the reported figure lower than the war’s potential final cost.
