Defense Department officials told senators in a closed-door briefing Tuesday that they estimate the first six days of the war in Iran cost more than $11.3 billion, according to three sources familiar with the briefing.
The cost estimate comes as the Trump administration determines how much it will request from Congress in a supplemental funding bill to cover the growing cost of the conflict. The appropriations subcommittee will be instrumental in crafting that legislation.
What the Left Is Saying
Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., told reporters Wednesday that he believes the amount is even higher than the Pentagon's estimate, as the current figure does not include every aspect of the war.
"I expect that the current total operating number is significantly above that," Coons said. "If all you're looking at is the replacement cost for the munitions used, it's already well beyond $10 billion."
Progressive Democrats have expressed concern about the escalating costs without clear endgame parameters. Some members of the party have called for conditions on any supplemental funding, while others have urged the administration to pursue diplomatic solutions.
What the Right Is Saying
Republicans have largely supported the administration's military approach, emphasizing the need to confront Iranian aggression and protect U.S. interests in the region.
Conservative commentators have argued that the cost of inaction would be far higher, pointing to Iran's history of sponsoring proxy forces and threatening regional stability. Some GOP senators have indicated they would support robust supplemental funding to ensure the military has what it needs.
What the Numbers Show
The war, now into its 11th day, has caused hundreds of casualties across the region. Israeli and American strikes have killed more than 1,200 people in Iran, according to the Iranian Red Crescent Society.
Thirteen people have died in Israel, and six have died in the United Arab Emirates, while 570 people in Lebanon have died, according to the Lebanese prime minister's office.
Seven U.S. service members have died in the war, and 140 have been wounded. The dignified transfer of Army Reserve Sgt. Declan Coady, who was killed in a drone strike at a command center in Kuwait, took place at Dover Air Force Base, Del., last week.
At least three ships have been attacked on the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. Central Command said Wednesday that it had "eliminated" 16 Iranian minelayers and multiple naval vessels near the strait.
The Bottom Line
The $11.3 billion figure covers only the first six days of operations and does not include all costs, suggesting the final price tag could be substantially higher. Congress will face questions about funding the conflict as debates over supplemental appropriations begin. President Donald Trump gave conflicting remarks Tuesday about the war's timeline, saying it would end "very soon" while also acknowledging Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's characterization that operations were only "the beginning."