Iran war costs near $50bn, double Pentagon public estimate
Updated
Updated · CBS New York · Apr 30
Iran war costs near $50bn, double Pentagon public estimate
7 articles · Updated · CBS New York · Apr 30
Internal assessments cited by U.S. officials put Operation Epic Fury at about $50 billion, versus $25 billion given to Congress, excluding some destroyed equipment and damaged installations.
Officials said replacement munitions drive much of the gap; the Pentagon has also lost 24 sophisticated drones costing $30 million or more each.
Lawmakers questioned the lower figure, while analysts said fuel, deployments and other agencies' spending add to the toll, with munitions stocks taking years to rebuild and households facing higher fuel and fertilizer costs.
With U.S. military losses mounting and household costs rising, how much longer can Operation Epic Fury be sustained before causing wider economic or strategic fallout?
As the U.S. depletes advanced weapons and shifts defense assets from Asia, could this conflict leave American allies vulnerable in other regions?
Given the ongoing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, how close is the world to a major food or energy crisis, and what could trigger a global recession?