Iran war has already cost US $38.1 billion, congressional report finds

The US Congressional Budget Office, an independent analytical agency, released its report on the cost of the first five months of the war with Iran.

It estimated that combat operations account for more than half of the presidential administration’s total military spending.

The report also states that in the future, the war could cost the US approximately $2–3 billion per month. The amount of spending is currently affected by:

• The purchase of ammunition and military equipment;

• The intensity of operations;

• Rising fuel costs.

A significant portion of the funds is needed to replenish stocks of missiles and air defense systems. According to the Congressional Budget Office, this could require about $21.7 billion.

Of this amount, $13.1 billion is for interceptor missiles, $7.3 billion for cruise missiles, and another $1.2 billion for other ammunition.

The agency noted that replenishing weapons stocks is the largest single category of US Department of Defense spending related to the war.

At the same time, replenishing interceptor missile stocks could take at least five years. This could potentially affect US air defense capabilities in the event of a future armed conflict with China.

The report emphasizes that due to the extensive use of missile defense systems in the war with Iran, the Pentagon has fewer interceptor missiles that could be used in a potential conflict with China.

Further monthly US spending will depend on the intensity of the fighting. Under a low-intensity scenario, it would amount to about $2 billion per month, while under more intensive operations it could exceed $3 billion.

The Congressional Budget Office also projects that costs will continue to rise as the conflict continues.

Trump has also begun seeking "compensation" from allies amid the war in the Middle East.

It also became known that the US could remain in Iran and control its oil.