In a private briefing on Tuesday, Department of Defence officials reported to senators that the opening six days of military operations in Iran cost an estimated $11.3 billion.
Members of the Senate Appropriations subcommittee on defence were briefed on the initial financial impact of the mission, though some legislators suggest the actual expenditure is significantly higher, reports NBC.
Senator Chris Coons, a Democrat from Delaware, told journalists on Wednesday that the $11.3 billion figure likely underestimates the total, as it does not account for all operational facets. He noted that the cost of replacing used munitions has already exceeded $10 billion.
A spokesperson for the Pentagon declined to provide details on the private meeting, adding that the final cost of “Operation Epic Fury” will not be certain until the conclusion of the mission.
These financial updates come as the Trump administration prepares a supplemental funding request for Congress to cover the growing expenses of the war. Casualties and regional impact Now in its 11th day, the conflict has resulted in substantial casualties throughout the Middle East.
According to the Iranian Red Crescent Society, more than 1,200 people have been killed in Iran by American and Israeli strikes. The Lebanese Prime Minister’s office has reported 570 deaths in Lebanon, while 13 people have died in Israel and six in the United Arab Emirates.
The US military has confirmed seven fatalities among its service members, with 140 others wounded. Among the deceased is Army Reserve Sgt. Declan Coady, who was killed in a drone attack on a command centre located in Kuwait.
Naval escalations and war duration Tensions have intensified in the Strait of Hormuz, where at least three vessels have come under attack.
In response, US Central Command announced on Wednesday that it had “eliminated” 16 Iranian minelayers and several other naval craft near the strategic waterway. President Donald Trump has indicated that continued attacks in the strait will lead the US to escalate its strikes against Iran. Uncertainty remains regarding the timeline of the war.
On Tuesday, President Trump provided differing views, suggesting the conflict might end “very soon” while also acknowledging Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth’s remark that the current phase is just “the beginning”. The President stated that both assessments could be considered correct.
