Pentagon: Iran war costs hit $47.1 billion as weapons replacement drives surge – KEYE

Pentagon: Iran war costs hit $47.1 billion as weapons replacement drives surge  KEYE

The U.S. military’s war with Iran has cost an estimated $47.1 billion through Oct. 16, according to figures from U.S. Central Command provided to Congress, as the conflict nears its ninth month. The new estimate is $3.5 billion higher than the previous Pentagon estimate issued in early September. The war began Feb. 28. Most of the spending has gone toward replenishing weapons . Replacing expended munitions accounts for about $29 billion of the total, according to the Central Command figures. Another $6.1 billion is for replacing damaged or destroyed equipment, and about $11.9 billion covers operating costs. The estimate does not include damage to U.S. bases in the Middle East.

A Pentagon inspector general report said Iranian missile and drone strikes damaged or destroyed hundreds of structures at bases across the region. Central Command estimates the war could cost $2 billion to $3 billion per month as long as it continues, with costs potentially rising if fighting resumes. By service, the Air Force has spent about $7.6 billion, the Army about $2.1 billion and the Navy about $1.5 billion, according to the figures. The Navy’s estimate fell from $2.2 billion in early September, and the Pentagon has not explained the change. The conflict has also drawn down supplies of key weapons, including Patriot and THAAD missile interceptors. USA TODAY reported