The US military campaign in Iran has reached a critical financial point, with costs now at $38 billion. A Congressional Budget Office report details the scale of the operation and the growing strain on Washington’s military resources and political leadership.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth is at the center of the controversy, facing criticism from the White House and Congress. The report warns that monthly expenses could rise by another $2 billion to $3 billion if the conflict continues, fueling calls for accountability. Donald Trump has already criticized Hegseth for using up Patriot missile reserves needed by Ukraine. Now, Republican Thomas Massie has filed a formal impeachment petition. The charges are that Hegseth waged war in Iran without a formal declaration or legal authorization, despite no imminent threat, and bypassed Congress.
The Congressional Budget Office estimates that replenishing expended munitions alone will cost $21.7 billion, including $13.1 billion for air and missile defense interceptors.
The Pentagon’s logistical problems are growing. The report says the US has used up about two-thirds of its interceptor missiles. Restocking interceptor and ballistic missiles will require another $21.7 billion. Military Times, citing CBO data, reports that restoring depleted interceptor reserves could take years, raising concerns about the military’s ability to respond to other global threats. Launched with Israel in February, the campaign has forced the US to use its most advanced weapons in offensive strikes and defensive operations. It has targeted Iranian territory, while operations have also hit islands in the Strait of Hormuz and Iranian naval vessels.
The operations have drained ammunition, while equipment losses have mounted. Fuel use has risen, and flight hours have stretched. The Congressional Budget Office notes that each month of conflict adds to the Pentagon’s financial and operational burden. Despite the investment, the US has not achieved a decisive victory, and the conflict shows no sign of ending soon.
Vice President J. D. Vance has warned that the war will soon enter a new phase, suggesting the campaign could drag on for months. Donald Trump’s early hope for a quick resolution before the midterm elections has faded. The administration is now considering a strategy of containment, aiming to keep pressure on Iran through a prolonged siege instead of seeking a fast victory.
For the Pentagon, the immediate problem combines rising costs with the risk of running out of basic military supplies. Missile reserves, especially Patriots, are at critical lows, raising concerns about the US military’s ability to respond to other threats. The political fallout is just as serious, with Hegseth’s position now under threat from within his own party.
Financial pressure is mounting alongside logistical strains, while the political costs rise. The US now faces a choice: keep spending billions on a conflict with no clear end, or rethink its strategy before military resources and political capital run out.
