Officials in President Donald Trump’s administration have estimated that the first six days of the ongoing war with Iran have cost the United States at least $11.3 billion.
The figure was disclosed during a closed-door congressional briefing for senators earlier this week, according to a source familiar with the matter who spoke to Reuters.
The estimate, which does not cover the full cost of the conflict, was presented to lawmakers seeking more details about the financial implications of the war.
Several congressional aides said the White House is expected to soon submit a request to Congress for additional funding to sustain military operations. Some officials indicated the administration could seek about $50 billion, although others believe the amount may still be insufficient.
So far, the administration has not issued a public estimate of the overall cost of the conflict or provided a timeline for how long the war might continue.
Speaking during a trip to Kentucky on Wednesday, Trump said the United States had effectively won the war but noted that military operations would continue until the objective is fully achieved.
The $11.3 billion estimate was first reported by The New York Times.
Rising Human and Regional Toll
The conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran has already claimed about 2,000 lives, most of them in Iran and Lebanon, as fighting spreads across parts of the Middle East.
Iran has also carried out retaliatory strikes on neighbouring countries hosting US military assets, further escalating tensions in the region and pushing global energy prices higher.
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According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), about 1,100 children have been killed or injured as the fighting intensifies, creating what the agency described as a “catastrophic” situation for millions of children across the Middle East.
In Lebanon, relentless Israeli air strikes have forced around 800,000 people to flee their homes.
Lawmakers Raise Funding Concerns
US administration officials also informed lawmakers that about $5.6 billion worth of munitions were used during the first two days of the air strikes alone.
Members of Congress have expressed concern that the prolonged conflict could rapidly deplete US military stockpiles at a time when the defence industry is already struggling to meet global demand.
Democratic lawmakers have called for administration officials to testify publicly under oath regarding the president’s strategy for the war, including how long the conflict may last and Washington’s plans for Iran once the fighting ends.
Despite the uncertainty, Trump suggested on Wednesday that the conflict could end soon, claiming there was “practically nothing left” for US forces to bomb. He did not provide evidence to support the assertion.
Source: Al Jazeera
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
