The officials from President Donald Trump’s administration told lawmakers this week that the first six days of the U.S.-led military campaign against Iran have cost at least $11.3 billion.
The figure, presented during a closed-door briefing for senators on Tuesday, does not reflect the full cost of the conflict, which began on February 28 with U.S. and Israeli airstrikes, and has so far killed around 2,000 people, mostly Iranians and Lebanese. The fighting has spread into Lebanon and disrupted global energy markets and shipping.
Several congressional aides said they expect the White House to soon request additional funding for the war. Estimates of the potential request vary, with some officials citing $50 billion, though others suggest that could be a conservative figure.
Trump, speaking during a visit to Kentucky on Wednesday, said the U.S. “won” the war but emphasized that American forces would remain engaged “to finish the job.”
Administration officials also told lawmakers that $5.6 billion worth of munitions were expended during the first two days of strikes.
Some members of Congress have expressed concern that the ongoing conflict could strain U.S. military supplies, which are already under pressure, and have urged public testimony from officials about the war’s expected duration and post-conflict plans for Iran.
Last week, Trump met with executives from seven major defense contractors as the Pentagon worked to replenish stocks used in the initial strikes.
