A recent internal U.S. government estimation reveals that the ongoing war against Iran might cost up to $100 billion, which is more than triple the Pentagon's publicly disclosed figure of approximately $30 billion.
According to estimates within the U.S. Department of Defense, reported by NBC News, the actual cost of the war ranges from $80 to $100 billion when accounting for undisclosed operational expenses, repairs to damaged military bases, and replacement of aircraft and equipment lost during operations.
Reports suggest that the damages to U.S. bases in the Middle East alone could exceed $30 billion. The cost to rehabilitate military installations in Bahrain approaches $1 billion, including about $678 million to repair the headquarters area of the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, and $237 million for port, housing, and facility-related work.
The U.S. Fifth Fleet's facilities in Manama, along with military bases in Kuwait, have sustained significant damage from attacks. A report from the Congressional Research Service indicates that over 40 aircraft, including F-15 and F-35 fighters, as well as KC-135 refueling planes, have been damaged.
The announced numbers do not fully encompass the logistical expenses associated with troop redeployment, operating aircraft carriers and support ships, transporting and housing soldiers, and repatriating U.S. civilians from the Gulf region to the United States.
Amid increasing financial pressures, the Department of Defense has requested an additional $68 billion budget to cover the shortfall until a new defense budget, potentially reaching $1.5 trillion, is discussed next fall.
In Congress, the lack of transparency regarding the true cost of the war has sparked widespread criticism. Several lawmakers have accused the Pentagon of failing to provide accurate and comprehensive financial data.
Senator Angus King stated that American taxpayers have the right to know the actual expense of the conflict, while Senator Jack Reed emphasized that the Department of Defense has yet to provide a clear figure or basic financial information to Congress.