The war with Iran had cost the U.S. military at least $47.1 billion as of mid-October, according to a U.S. Central Command estimate obtained by CBS News. The estimate excludes damage to U.S. military bases in the Middle East, many of which were targeted by Iranian drones and missiles.
The largest expense was replacing munitions used in the war, estimated at around $29 billion, according to the assessment provided to lawmakers. It also listed $6.1 billion to replace lost equipment and around $11.9 billion in incremental costs, including support for U.S. service members.
The Congressional Budget Office said last month that the war could cost $2 billion to $3 billion per month for as long as it continues, partly because interceptor missiles used to defend against Iranian attacks would need replacement.
President Donald Trump has suggested he could resume hostilities after next month’s midterm elections unless Iran agrees to a deal, CBS reported. The administration has asked Congress for tens of billions of dollars in supplemental military funding, partly because of the war; the request has not passed, and Democrats have sought a more detailed accounting from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.