The first two days of US military strikes on Iran cost about $5.6 billion in munitions alone, according to a report by The Washington Post, highlighting the enormous financial cost of the conflict even as US President Donald Trump suggests the war could end soon.
The estimate, based on information shared with the US Congress, reflects the value of advanced weapons used in the opening phase of the campaign and has intensified debate in Washington about the sustainability of such a high-intensity military operation.
US officials cited in the report said the United States Department of Defense used roughly $5.6 billion worth of munitions during the initial assault, raising concerns among lawmakers that American forces are rapidly consuming limited stocks of advanced weaponry.
The estimate only covers munitions used in the first two days and does not include the wider costs of deploying forces, maintaining aircraft and naval assets, or sustaining troops in the region.
Officials told the newspaper the figure was shared with Congress as the administration prepares to seek additional funding to continue the military campaign.
US forces have launched thousands of strikes across Iran since the operation began, adding to concerns on Capitol Hill that stockpiles of high-end munitions could be depleted if the conflict continues.
Concerns Over Military Stockpiles
Officials also warned that a prolonged conflict could strain US weapons inventories already affected by years of military support to Ukraine and commitments in Asia.
To sustain operations in the Middle East, some defence planners have begun shifting resources from other regions. According to the report, parts of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defence system have been moved from South Korea to the region.
The Pentagon has also drawn from stocks of advanced Patriot missile system interceptors to strengthen defences against Iranian drone and ballistic missile attacks.
Defence expert Mark Cancian warned that diverting air-defence systems could weaken American readiness in other theatres.
“The more THAADs and Patriots you shoot, the more risk you assume in the Indo-Pacific and in Ukraine,” he said, according to The Washington Post.
The conflict has also resulted in casualties. Seven American service members have died since the war began, including six killed in an Iranian drone strike in Kuwait and another who died after being wounded in an attack in Saudi Arabia, according to US officials cited in media reports.
Also Read: Central Command Says US Struck Over 5,000 Iran targets In First 10 days Of Operation Epic Fury
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