U.S. War in Iran Cost Claim Disputed by Officials and Analysts

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth testified to a Senate Appropriations Committee that the war with Iran has cost about $37.5 billion since it began on Feb. 28. Independent analysts, including Stephen Semler of the Security Policy Reform Institute, argue the true cost is far higher, estimating around $112 billion and suggesting total expenses could exceed $100 billion when damage to U.S. bases and equipment is included.

Semler accused Hegseth of misleading Congress, calling the claim “brazen lying.” The war resumed on July 7 after the Trump administration alleged Iran violated a memorandum of understanding by attacking commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Since then, the United States has conducted repeated strikes across Iran, while Tehran has retaliated against U.S. bases in Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan and Iraq, according to Reuters.

The dispute over the war’s cost may influence upcoming funding requests and congressional oversight of U.S. defense spending.