US war costs with Iran reach $25 billion amid oil spike

The Pentagon’s acting comptroller, Jules Hurst, told the House Armed Services Committee on Wednesday that U.S. taxpayers have spent $25 billion on operations against Iran, with most of the money used to buy munitions. The figure is the first official total for direct costs tied to the campaign.

Hurst did not provide a detailed itemization and did not say whether the total covers future repairs to bases or replacement of equipment. Lawmakers questioned how the figure was calculated and pressed for a fuller accounting of ongoing and expected costs.

Representative Adam Smith, the committee’s top Democrat, expressed frustration with the lack of prior disclosure, saying, “I’m glad you answered that question. Because we’ve been asking for a hell of a long time, and no one’s given us the number.”

A separate assessment earlier placed the cost of the first six days of strikes at at least $11.3 billion. Pentagon officials say much of the spending has gone to rapid replenishment of weapons used since strikes began on February 28.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the campaign in questioning, linking the spending to efforts to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. He asked lawmakers, “What would you pay to ensure Iran does not get a nuclear bomb? What would you pay?” He rejected characterization of the campaign as a quagmire and criticized some congressional critics.

The Pentagon has moved tens of thousands of additional troops to the Middle East and maintained three aircraft carriers in the region. Thirteen U.S. service members have been killed and hundreds wounded. U.S. and Iranian officials are under a fragile ceasefire while diplomatic talks over the Strait of Hormuz remain stalled.

Economic effects have reached U.S. consumers and businesses. The national average gasoline price reached $4.23 per gallon, the highest in nearly four years, and Brent crude traded around $115 a barrel. Disruptions to energy shipments have raised fertilizer and shipping costs and contributed to delays in supply chains. Iran’s currency fell to record lows against the dollar.

The disclosure of the $25 billion bill arrives with political consequences ahead of the November midterm elections. Polling shows 34% of Americans approve of U.S. engagement with Iran, down from earlier months, and lawmakers noted public concern about how the conflict is affecting household budgets.

Senior U.S. officials met with energy industry executives this week to discuss options for keeping Iranian ports closed for an extended period while seeking to limit harm to American consumers. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent hosted representatives from major traders and oil companies, and officials say the administration has shown little interest in Iran’s offer to reopen the strait without resolving the nuclear dispute.

The $25 billion figure provides a first consolidated snapshot of direct costs to date but leaves questions about longer-term repairs, personnel support and equipment replacement unanswered.