$29 Billion In 60 Days: Iran War Cost 16% More Than US Estimate
The Pentagon revised its estimate of the US-Iran conflict cost to nearly $29 billion, $4 billion higher than prior estimates, citing equipment repair and operational expenses. Democrats criticized the administration for transparency gaps and questioned whether the true cost, including infrastructure damage, exceeds $29 billion.
The Pentagon updated its cost estimate for the US-Iran conflict to nearly $29 billion during a budget hearing on Capitol Hill, exceeding the $25 billion figure cited just two weeks earlier. Pentagon finance chief Jules Hurst III attributed the increase to repair and replacement of equipment, along with broader operational expenses. During testimony, Hurst confirmed the revised figure while acknowledging ongoing adjustments by the joint staff and comptroller teams. The hearing followed President Donald Trump’s warning that a fragile US-Iran ceasefire was 'on life support' after rejecting Tehran’s latest peace proposal. Democrats, including House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro, pressed for clarity on war objectives and costs, questioning whether the Pentagon’s estimate was incomplete. Senator Mark Kelly warned that critical weapons stockpiles, such as Tomahawk missiles and Patriot interceptors, had been depleted and could take years to replenish. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin’s nominee, retired Marine Corps General Martin Hegseth, dismissed concerns as 'foolishly and unhelpfully overstated.' Critics, including Senator Patty Murray and defense analysts, argued the $29 billion figure was suspiciously low, citing reports of Iran striking 228 US military sites. Virginia Burger of the Project On Government Oversight suggested the true cost could exceed the estimate by 'tens of billions' due to potential underreporting of damage. Hegseth declined to provide a detailed breakdown, maintaining the administration’s stance that the cost was being reassessed. The hearing marked Hegseth’s first appearance since the White House declared hostilities between the US, Israel, and Iran had 'terminated' on February 28. Democrats have repeatedly sought to curb Trump’s war powers without congressional authorization, though their efforts have been blocked by Republicans. Protesters attended both House and Senate hearings, amplifying calls for transparency and accountability.
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