Summary of the Cost of the Iran War to the USA (as of March 22, 2026):

The war began on February 28, 2026 and is ongoing. Costs are rising rapidly, driven primarily by expensive ammunition (missiles, interceptors), air/naval operations, and losses.

• First 6 days (Pentagon official estimate): $11.3 billion (reported in closed briefing to Congress; includes ammunition + some operational expenses, but excludes pre-positioning and full repairs).

• CSIS (think tank) estimates:
• First 6 days: $12.7 billion (ammunition ~$5.6 billion, including losses + operations).
• Day 12: $16.5 billion.
• Current (mid-to-late March): exceeded $18 billion and growing at ~$500 million - $1-2 billion daily.
• Daily average cost: Early stage ~$891 million/day, recently $500 million - $2 billion range (varies by intensity).

• Long-term projections:
• 3 weeks: $60-130 billion.
• 2 months: $40-200 billion (could reach $250 billion in some scenarios).
• Pentagon additional budget request: ~$200 billion being discussed.
• Main spending categories: Missiles like Tomahawk/Patriot (millions of dollars per unit), air operations, replacing downed aircraft (e.g., F-15), and regional infrastructure damage.

Note: These figures cover direct military spending only; indirect costs such as veteran care, oil price increases, and economic impacts are excluded and could be significantly higher. As the war continues, costs rise daily – the full total remains unknown.