US Iran War Cost Hits $47.1 Billion Amid Spending Concerns (Img: IANS)
Washington: The United States has spent $47.1 billion on its ongoing war with Iran, with the Pentagon sharing updated expenditure figures with lawmakers last week. The cost had reached this level by October 16, highlighting the growing financial burden of the military campaign.
The latest figures show that the war's cost has risen by $3.5 billion in approximately six weeks. The increase has intensified scrutiny of military spending and the use of government resources, as lawmakers seek greater clarity on the campaign's objectives and its financial implications.
According to the expenditure breakdown, around 60% of the total cost has gone towards bombs, missiles and other weapons. The consumption of munitions during military operations, along with the need to replenish stocks, could place further pressure on the US defence budget.
The reported figures also account for the cost of weapons used or damaged during the conflict. The duration and intensity of the campaign are likely to be key factors in determining its eventual financial toll.
The Pentagon's figures represent an unclassified account of the war's costs and cover multiple categories of military expenditure.
The US Air Force has spent $7.6 billion on operating fighter jets and bombers, according to the figures. Meanwhile, the Navy has incurred $1.5 billion in costs associated with deploying more than two dozen warships, including an aircraft carrier.
The US Army has spent $2.1 billion to maintain its forces in the region.
These figures offer an indication of the financial burden borne by different branches of the American military as operations continue.
According to US Central Command, more than 50,000 American troops are deployed in the region for the military campaign. Maintaining such a large force, alongside operating aircraft, warships and other military equipment, adds to the overall cost.
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President Donald Trump has so far refrained from launching another large-scale military operation, according to the report. However, the future course and duration of the conflict remain uncertain, making it difficult to estimate the final expenditure.
The mounting financial burden has prompted US senators to seek answers from Trump over the rationale for the spending and the possibility of further budgetary requirements.
Democratic senators have raised questions about the war's cost, its objectives and the role of the legislature in scrutinising the military campaign. There are also demands for the Pentagon to provide a more detailed account of the expenditure.
With the reported cost reaching $47.1 billion by October 16, the latest figures have brought renewed attention to the financial implications of the conflict and the potential need for additional defence funding.
