Iran War Said To Cost U.S. $38 Billion

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, September 16, 2026

The Congressional Budget Office reported that the U.S. has spent about $38 billion on the war in Iran as of August 1, with projected monthly costs of $2 billion to $3 billion if the conflict continues. The analysis also highlighted significant depletion of missile interceptors, potentially weakening U.S. defenses for years and raising concerns about readiness against future threats like China.

The war in Iran has cost the United States approximately $38 billion through August 1, according to a report released Tuesday by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). The analysis, which examined the financial impact of the conflict, also projected ongoing monthly costs of $2 billion to $3 billion should the war continue. Additionally, the CBO estimated that it could take at least five years to replenish U.S. munitions stockpiles depleted during the fighting.

The 19-page report, prepared without direct cooperation from the Department of Defense, drew upon publicly available government databases and prior public statements. It did not account for potential future expenses related to equipment repairs or maintenance of military bases affected by the conflict. The costs outlined include expenditures for replacing expended munitions and equipment lost in battle, increased aircraft flight hours, operational activities, and higher fuel consumption.

This assessment aligns closely with testimony given in late July by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who estimated the cost of the war at $37.5 billion. The analysis was requested by senior Democrats, including Representative Brendan Boyle of Pennsylvania, the top Democrat on the House Budget Committee. Boyle called the war "disastrous" and highlighted both the human and financial toll, noting that in addition to lives lost and injuries sustained by American service members, the conflict has placed a significant financial burden on taxpayers.

One of the most significant impacts identified is the large consumption of missile defense interceptors. The report warned that this depletion could leave the U.S. with a diminished inventory of interceptors for several years, potentially creating vulnerabilities if another conflict arises involving adversaries with extensive ballistic and cruise missile capabilities, such as China. Based on reported expenditures and total known interceptor purchases, the CBO estimated that between one-half and two-thirds of the country’s inventory has been used since June 2025.

The Pentagon disputed claims of munitions shortages. Sean Parnell, a Pentagon spokesperson, responded to the report by stating that assertions of depleted stockpiles are false. Meanwhile, reports indicate that government investigators have subjected around 50 members of the military’s Joint Staff to polygraph tests amid inquiries into leaks concerning munitions levels and other details of the war.

The CBO report did not assess the full long-term financial ramifications of the conflict, including the cost of repairing damaged infrastructure or equipment, suggesting that the overall financial impact may continue to evolve.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.