Pentagon Requests Additional $80 Billion for Iran Conflict Costs

The Department of Defense told senators on Monday it needs an additional $80 billion to cover the cost of U.S. involvement in the Iran conflict, weeks after warning that the military could run out of money without new congressional funding. The request came after nearly four months of fighting that included a blockade of a major shipping corridor and a shaky ceasefire.

Talks between the U.S. and Iranian governments continued into Tuesday to reach a preliminary deal.

III told the House Armed Services Committee on May 12 that the war had cost $29 billion. The Pentagon referred to that testimony when asked for an updated figure this week. Harvard Kennedy School lecturer Linda Bilmes said upfront spending is more likely to reach the $200 billion the Pentagon requested in March.

That figure covers deployment of more than 50,000 troops, repairs, maintenance, and munitions. Bilmes noted that replacement costs for Tomahawk missiles have risen from $1-2 million to $3-6 million. The Pentagon used at least 45 percent of its Precision Strike Missile stockpile and 50 percent of its THAAD interceptors in the first seven weeks, according to an analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Repair costs for 228 damaged structures at U.S. installations in Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates are estimated at $200-300 billion over three to five years.

Americans have paid an extra $61.7 billion for gasoline and diesel since February 28, according to Brown University data. That amounts to $471.20 per household. States including Wyoming, Utah, and Alaska saw increases above $1.30 per gallon, while Florida, Texas, and Indiana saw increases below $0.80 per gallon.