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The first six days of the U.S. war with Iran have cost an estimated $11.3 billion, according to U.S. Department of Defense officials who briefed senators behind closed doors Tuesday, three sources familiar with the discussion said.
The estimate was shared with lawmakers as the Donald Trump administration prepares to ask U.S. Congress for additional funding to cover the rapidly growing cost of the conflict.
However, Chris Coons, a Democratic senator from Delaware, said Wednesday that the total cost is likely significantly higher.
“I expect that the current total operating number is significantly above that,” Coons told reporters. “If all you’re looking at is the replacement cost for the munitions used, it’s already well beyond $10 billion.”
Pentagon declines to detail costs
A Pentagon spokesperson declined to confirm the figures publicly, citing the classified nature of the briefing.
“We do not comment on closed-door discussions or matters,” the spokesperson said. “Regarding the cost of Operation Epic Fury, we won’t know the total cost until the mission is complete.”
The cost estimate was first reported by The New York Times.
Lawmakers said the briefing focused primarily on the immediate operational costs of the campaign, including munitions expenditures and military operations.
Supplemental funding request looming
The growing price tag comes as the administration prepares a supplemental budget request to Congress to fund the conflict. The request will likely be handled by the appropriations subcommittees responsible for defense spending.
The war is now in its 11th day, and officials have yet to estimate how long the conflict may last.
Rising casualties across the region
The fighting has already resulted in hundreds of casualties across the Middle East.
According to the Iranian Red Crescent Society, Israeli and U.S. strikes have killed more than 1,200 people in Iran.
Casualties elsewhere in the region include:
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13 deaths in Israel
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6 deaths in the United Arab Emirates
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570 deaths in Lebanon, according to the Lebanese prime minister’s office
The United States has also suffered losses. Seven U.S. service members have been killed and 140 wounded since the conflict began.
Uncertainty about the war’s duration
Trump offered mixed signals Tuesday about how long the war could continue.
Speaking to reporters, the president said the conflict could end “very soon,” while also acknowledging comments from Pete Hegseth, the U.S. Department of Defense secretary, who described the conflict as potentially “only the beginning.”
“I think you could say both,” Trump said.
Tensions rise near key shipping lane
The situation has become increasingly volatile near the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical maritime oil routes.
At least three commercial ships have been attacked in the strait, raising fears of wider disruption to global shipping.
In response, U.S. Central Command said Wednesday that American forces had “eliminated” 16 Iranian minelayers and multiple naval vessels operating near the waterway.
Trump warned that additional attacks in the strait would trigger further U.S. escalation against Iran.
