Pentagon Reports $25 Billion Cost for Iran War

The U.S. war with Iran has cost $25 billion so far, according to acting Pentagon comptroller Jules Hurst, who disclosed the figure during testimony before the House Armed Services Committee on April 29, 2026. Hurst appeared alongside Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen.

Dan Caine to discuss the Defense Department's $1.5 trillion budget request. This marked Hegseth's first public testimony on Capitol Hill since June 2025, before the conflict started.

and Strategy Questions Lawmakers

questioned the Trump administration's overall strategy in Iran, particularly as peace talks appear stalled. Adam Smith, the ranking member, noted that President Trump's earlier statements about Iran agreeing to concessions, including on its nuclear program and the Strait of Hormuz, have not materialized.

>"So wish fulfillment is not really a strategy. " — Rep. Adam Smith, April 29, 2026 (CBS News) Hegseth, in his opening remarks, described the conflict as an existential fight for American safety and criticized congressional Democrats and some Republicans for what he called reckless and defeatist rhetoric.

He referenced the durations of past conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, noting the Iran war is only two months in. Mike Rogers, the committee chairman, highlighted low global munition stockpiles and the need for rapid restocking. Hegseth outlined Pentagon efforts to boost production of 14 critical munitions, including Patriot and THAAD interceptors, SM-3s, SM-6s, AMRAAMs, JASSMs, and PrSMs.

At the war's outset, President Trump stated it would last four to six weeks. The conflict reaches its 60-day mark on May 1, 2026, prompting discussions in Congress about the War Powers Resolution, which requires termination of unauthorized operations within 60 days unless Congress approves continuation.

rejected Iran's latest offer, stating the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz will remain in place. U.S. Iran announced fuel rationing as Brent crude oil prices topped $119 per barrel on April 29, 2026, surpassing previous highs during the conflict. The blockade aims to cripple Iran's oil infrastructure, dimming prospects for a deal to reopen the strait.

Sen. Thom Tillis suggested authorizing the war for one year to send a signal to Iran, while Sen. Lisa Murkowski urged the administration to consult Congress. U.S. gas prices hit their highest level in four years on April 28, 2026, amid elevated oil costs from the Middle East conflict.

U.S. stocks sank following reports of planned strikes on Iran.

The measures loosen state aid rules and cover up to 70% of additional expenses through the end of 2026. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced plans to reshore U.S. fertilizer production, projecting a 30% increase in domestic nitrogen output over several years, in response to price spikes from the conflict.

The United Arab Emirates announced its departure from OPEC amid tensions with Saudi Arabia and war-related chaos. French oil major TotalEnergies reported a 29% rise in first-quarter adjusted net income to $5.4 billion, driven by higher oil prices and strong trading results following the Iran war.

The company raised its interim dividend by 6%.

leaders expressed skepticism about the U.S. strategy. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz described the war as ill-considered and lacking a clear exit, noting Iran's negotiating strength. A poll by IPSOS showed 88% of Germans, 82% of French, 83% of Britons, and 84% of Italians oppose their countries' involvement in the Middle East conflict.

The survey also indicated 35% of Europeans view China as having a positive influence on world affairs, compared to 28% for the United States. Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez leads an anti-war stance in Europe, while France and Italy have sought bilateral deals with Iran for ship passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

The United Kingdom has distanced itself from the war. The conflict has exacerbated global tensions, including in Ukraine, where it has confirmed the centrality of drones in warfare. The war has also drawn attention to online content laws in the UAE, leading to arrests.