The Iran war has cost closer to $50 billion, about twice the $25 billion cited by the Pentagon in congressional testimony, according to U.S. officials familiar with internal assessments. The higher estimate reflects uncounted losses such as destroyed equipment and infrastructure, including 24 MQ-9 Reaper drones. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine defended a $1.5 trillion budget request as lawmakers questioned costs. Acting comptroller Jules Hurst said future const

The Iran war has cost closer to $50 billion, about twice the $25 billion cited by the Pentagon in congressional testimony, according to U.S. officials familiar with internal assessments. The higher estimate reflects uncounted losses such as destroyed equipment and infrastructure, including 24 MQ-9 Reaper drones. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine defended a $1.5 trillion budget request as lawmakers questioned costs. Acting comptroller Jules Hurst said future construction costs remain uncertain. Senator Chris Coons said, “I am frankly certain that that is low,” while Representative Ro Khanna raised concerns over inflation impacts.