The financial cost of the ongoing United States-Iran conflict has climbed to a staggering $29 billion in just 60 days, according to new estimates released by Pentagon officials during Congressional hearings. The updated figure marks a 16% increase from the earlier $25 billion estimate disclosed at the end of April, intensifying political debate in Washington over the long-term economic impact of the war.
According to Pentagon officials, the revised estimate includes operational expenses, military deployments, repair costs, and the replacement of damaged military equipment used during combat operations in the Middle East. Jules Hurst, currently serving as the Pentagon’s acting comptroller, revealed the updated figures while appearing before lawmakers alongside Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine.
The conflict, which began in late February 2026 after large-scale U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, has rapidly evolved into one of the costliest military confrontations in recent years. Analysts say the real financial burden could eventually rise far beyond the Pentagon’s official estimate once long-term costs such as rebuilding military infrastructure, replenishing missile stockpiles, and veteran care are included.
Reports indicate the U.S. military has used massive quantities of expensive defense systems during the war, including more than 1,200 Patriot missile interceptors and over 1,000 Tomahawk missiles. The Pentagon has also reportedly faced heavy repair costs at military bases across Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Iraq, and the UAE following repeated Iranian missile and drone attacks.
The war has also created major global economic disruptions. Iran’s actions around the Strait of Hormuz triggered sharp spikes in crude oil prices, airline fuel costs, and inflation concerns worldwide. Energy experts have described the crisis as one of the biggest global energy security challenges in modern history.
During Congressional hearings, lawmakers from both Democratic and Republican parties questioned Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over the administration’s long-term strategy and the rapidly increasing financial burden of the war. Critics argued that the Trump administration has not provided clear details about the overall endgame or the actual scale of military expenditure.
Despite the growing criticism, President Donald Trump and senior administration officials have defended the military campaign, claiming the operations significantly weakened Iran’s military capabilities and protected U.S. strategic interests in the Middle East.
Economic analysts warn that the indirect cost of the conflict could ultimately reach hundreds of billions of dollars due to rising oil prices, supply chain disruptions, defense spending increases, and long-term geopolitical instability across the Gulf region.
