US spent over $11 billion in first six days of Iran war, reports say

The United States spent at least $11.3 billion during the first six days of its military campaign against Iran, according to estimates shared by officials from the administration of Donald Trump during a closed congressional briefing.

The figure was presented to senators on Tuesday and reflects only part of the total cost of the conflict, according to U.S. media reports. The estimate was first reported by The New York Times, citing lawmakers briefed on the discussions.

The military campaign began on February 28, when the United States and Israel launched coordinated airstrikes against Iranian targets. Since then, the conflict has spread across the region, including into Lebanon, and has rattled global energy markets and transportation routes.

According to officials cited in the briefing, about $5.6 billion worth of munitions were used in just the first two days of the strikes.

The White House has not yet provided a public assessment of the overall cost of the war or how long the conflict could last. Speaking during a trip to Kentucky on Wednesday, Trump said the United States had already achieved significant progress but signalled that military operations would continue.

“We won,” Trump said, while adding that the United States would remain engaged to “finish the job.”

More Funds Needed

Lawmakers in Congress are now pressing the administration for more details about the financial and strategic scope of the conflict. Several congressional aides say the White House is expected to soon request additional funding to support military operations.

Estimates for the potential funding request vary widely. Some officials say the administration could ask Congress for around $50 billion, though others believe the eventual request could exceed that amount.

Members of Congress from both parties have also raised concerns about the strain the conflict could place on U.S. military stockpiles. Defense manufacturing capacity has already been under pressure as demand for weapons and ammunition rises globally.

In response, Trump recently met with executives from seven major defense contractors as the Pentagon seeks to replenish weapons supplies.

Democratic lawmakers have meanwhile called for administration officials to testify publicly under oath about the war’s objectives, costs and expected duration. They have also sought clarification on Washington’s long-term strategy for Iran once active fighting ends.

The fighting has already resulted in heavy casualties. Around 2,000 people have been killed, most of them in Iran and Lebanon, according to reports cited by Reuters.

As the conflict continues, lawmakers say they expect further debate in Congress over both the financial cost of the war and the broader implications for U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.