The first six days of the war with Iran have cost the United States more than $11.3 billion, reports The New York Times.
Citing an anonymous source familiar with the matter, the newspaper reported that officials from the United States Department of Defense provided the figure during a closed briefing for members of the US Congress.
Report says the amount does not include many of the costs related to preparations for the strikes, suggesting that the final price tag for the first week of the conflict could be significantly higher.
Defense officials also told lawmakers that approximately $5.6 billion worth of munitions were used during the first two days of the conflict alone, highlighting the rapid pace and intensity of the early stages of the military operation.
Analysts at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) estimated that the first 100 hours of Operation “Epic Fury” cost roughly $3.7 billion. The think tank noted that the expenses included missile strikes, aerial operations, and the deployment of US military assets in the region.
However, The New York Times notes that the true cost of the war is likely to be considerably higher, as the current figures do not account for long-term expenditures such as veterans’ healthcare, equipment replacement, logistics, and other post-conflict obligations that traditionally increase the financial burden of US military operations.
The early financial estimates highlight the enormous economic cost of large-scale modern warfare, particularly when advanced precision weapons, air operations, and naval deployments are involved.
The conflict with Iran escalated earlier this month after a series of strikes and counter-strikes between the two countries raised fears of a broader regional confrontation in the Middle East. Military analysts say the financial and strategic implications of the conflict could grow rapidly if the hostilities continue or expand further.
Photograph: US Navy via Getty Images
