The first week of the US military campaign against Iran has reportedly cost around $6 billion, with approximately $4 billion spent on munitions and advanced missile interceptors, Pentagon officials told Congress, warning that additional funding may be required to sustain operations and replenish stockpiles.
During congressional briefings this week, officials revealed that roughly 4,000 Iranian targets have been struck, including missile launchers, naval vessels, and air defense systems, significantly reducing Tehran’s ability to retaliate.
Gen. Brad Cooper, head of US Central Command, reported that Iran’s ballistic missile launches have dropped by 90% since the conflict began, while drone attacks have declined by about 83%.
Despite these losses, Iran still retains substantial military capability, including an estimated half of its missile arsenal, officials said.
Lawmakers are preparing for a possible supplemental funding request, as the rapid pace of expensive interceptor missile usage—some costing millions of dollars each—raises concerns about straining the US defense industrial base and creating shortages in other strategic areas.
The conflict began on February 28, when the United States and Israel launched large-scale strikes on Iran, reportedly killing over 1,200 people, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and several senior military officials. Iran has since retaliated with missile and drone attacks targeting Gulf countries, US bases, and Israeli cities.
The escalation has also triggered global concerns over energy security, as maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, which carries about 20 million barrels of oil per day, has sharply declined.
The Pentagon has emphasized that continued funding and strategic planning are critical to maintaining military readiness and regional stability amid the ongoing US-Iran conflict.
