Pentagon says Iran war has cost US taxpayers $47.1bn

The Pentagon told Congress that the US-Israel war on Iran had cost at least $47.1bn as of October 16, 2026. The estimate includes a projected $29bn to replace munitions and equipment used since the conflict began on February 28. Reported costs include $7.6bn for the US Air Force, $1.5bn for the Navy and $2.1bn for the Army, plus $6.1bn to replace damaged aircraft and munitions. The figure was disclosed days before the November 3 US midterm elections, which will determine whether Donald Trump’s Republicans retain control of Congress.