58 mins ago
CBO Warns Iran War Cost $38 Billion, Drained Missiles
The United States has spent about $38 billion fighting Iran.
The fighting is still continuing, although it became less intense after the first month.
Every extra month could cost between $2 billion and $3 billion.
The military used many missiles to defend against attacks.
This means it has fewer defensive missiles available for a possible future conflict with China.
Making new missiles could take at least five years.
The war may also cause higher energy prices and inflation.
The Congressional Budget Office said its estimates are uncertain because the Department of Defense did not provide requested information.
The Congressional Budget Office estimates the Iran war cost the Pentagon about $38 billion through August 1, 2026.
Each additional month of fighting could cost $2 billion to $3 billion, depending on the conflict’s intensity.
The United States has used an estimated half to two-thirds of its Patriot, THAAD, SM-3 and SM-6 interceptors since June 2025.
Rebuilding missile-defense stocks could take at least five years, even if production increases.
The conflict could raise United States inflation by 0.5 percentage points in the first quarter of 2027.
- Who
- The United States military, the Congressional Budget Office and the Department of Defense.
- What
- The Congressional Budget Office reported that the Iran war has cost about $38 billion and depleted large portions of United States missile-defense stocks.
- Where
- The conflict involves Iran, with consequences for United States military readiness and the wider United States economy.
- When
- The cost estimate covers operations through August 1, 2026; the report was published September 16, 2026.
- Why
- Costs resulted from used munitions and equipment, increased flying hours, military operations and higher fuel costs; missile stocks were depleted by combat use.
Key facts
- Cost through August 1
- About $38 billion
- Additional monthly cost
- $2 billion to $3 billion, depending on fighting intensity
- Interceptors used
- An estimated half to two-thirds of the inventory since June 2025
- Systems affected
- Patriot, THAAD, SM-3 and SM-6 interceptors
- Estimated replenishment time
- At least five years, even with increased production
- Potential inflation impact
- 0.5 percentage points higher in the first quarter of 2027 than projected in February
- Report uncertainty
- The Department of Defense did not respond to Congressional Budget Office information requests
Quotes
Congressional Budget Office
Nonpartisan US congressional agency that produced the report
“Having used a large portion of its missile defense inventory in combat operations against Iran, DoD now has fewer interceptors on hand to use in a potential conflict with the PRC.”
news18.com
Sources
Related news
US-Iran War Costs Pentagon Over $38 Billion, CBO Says
USS Abraham Lincoln Shows Iran War’s Enduring Costs
Pentagon Watchdog Finds US Weapons Gaps After Iran War
Report Flags US Weapons Shortages and Base Damage
Iran War Pressures US Missile Stocks as Rebuilding Lags
Six Months Into Iran War, No Winners and Global Costs
Trump Urges Companies to Advance Ambitious Golden Dome Shield
Rising US Bond Yields Prompt Indian Portfolio Rebalancing Debate
War and Debt Raise Questions About America’s Imperial Future
