The Pentagon has reported that U.S. military operations in Iran have cost more than $11.3 billion during the first six days of the ongoing conflict, according to sources cited by The New York Times and NBC News. Lawmakers were briefed in a closed-door session, although analysts warn that the true cost is likely much higher once additional expenditures are factored in.
The figure covers initial combat operations but does not include the pre-conflict buildup of troops, military equipment, and logistical support, meaning the overall economic impact is expected to increase significantly as the campaign continues.
Trump Declares Victory
Despite the high costs, President Donald Trump declared that the U.S. had “won” the initial phase of the conflict. Speaking to reporters, Trump stated:
“You never like to say too early you won. We won. In the first hour it was over.”
He also stressed ongoing vigilance, noting that U.S. forces will remain active in the region:
“We’re just riding free range over that country, and now we’re going to look very strongly at the straits. The straits are in great shape.”
Trump claimed that 58 Iranian naval ships had been destroyed during the early stages of the campaign, emphasizing U.S. military dominance in the Gulf.
Strategic and Economic Implications
The Pentagon’s estimate highlights the scale of U.S. operations in the Gulf, with costs projected to rise as the conflict continues. Meanwhile, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has threatened to block oil shipments unless U.S. and Israeli attacks cease, creating heightened risk for global energy markets.
Global oil prices have already surged amid fears of prolonged disruption to critical shipping lanes, including the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts warn that sustained military operations could not only increase the U.S. budgetary burden but also intensify volatility in international markets.
The report underscores the complex balance between military objectives, strategic dominance, and economic impact, as the United States maintains its military presence in the Middle East while global markets react to ongoing instability.
