Thursday, March 12, 2026-The first week of the war with Iran cost the United States more than $11.3 billion, according to officials from the United States Department of Defense who briefed members of United States Congress. The estimate, shared during a closed-door briefing on Capitol Hill, reflects the enormous financial cost of the opening phase of the military campaign.
Officials said the figure covers roughly the first six days of fighting and represents the most detailed preliminary estimate lawmakers have received so far. A large portion of the spending came from advanced weapons used in early strikes. Pentagon officials told lawmakers that about $5.6 billion worth of munitions were expended in just the first two days of the operation.
The estimate does not include many additional costs associated with the campaign, such as the buildup of military equipment and personnel before the first strikes began. Because of that, lawmakers expect the total cost of the conflict to rise significantly as the Pentagon continues calculating the full expenses of the war.
The military campaign, launched with joint strikes involving U.S. forces and allies, has expanded across the region and rattled global energy markets. Rising tensions around the Strait of Hormuz have also contributed to higher oil prices and growing economic uncertainty worldwide.
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