The US armed forces’ operational costs for the war with Iran have exceeded $47 billion. This was reported by Reuters, citing Pentagon data obtained by the agency. The figure is more than 25 per cent higher than the estimate given by the US military in July. The new figures had not been disclosed publicly.
According to estimates by the US Department of Defence, more than $29 billion will be required to replenish stocks of expended ammunition. A further $6 billion will be spent on replacing lost equipment, including aircraft and drones. However, these calculations do not include the cost of repairing US military bases damaged by Iranian missiles and drones.
In July, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegset estimated the cost of the war at $37.5 billion. President Donald Trump launched a military operation alongside Israel in February, expecting a short-lived conflict. The initial plan involved the use of expensive, high-precision missiles to neutralise Iran’s defences, followed by a switch to cheaper munitions. However, following the ceasefire in April, Iran was able to restore some of its air defence systems, missile capabilities and drones, according to Reuters.
Meanwhile, the US has warned Gulf states through diplomatic and military channels that they need to prepare for a “short but intense military campaign” following the mid-term congressional elections scheduled for 3 November. This is reported by The Wall Street Journal, citing sources. According to these sources, the US military is deploying ‘Patriot’ air defence missile systems from Texas, replenishing ammunition stocks in the region and preparing bombers and fighter jets for possible strikes.
Sources close to Trump claim that a final decision on resuming military operations has not yet been taken, but the president is leaning towards a large-scale attack on Iran. Possible targets could include the country’s infrastructure and nuclear programme.
Preparations for a possible new campaign are taking place against the backdrop of the US mid-term elections. The Republicans hold a slim majority in both houses of Congress. Rising energy prices caused by the war have had a negative impact on Trump’s approval ratings and support for Republican candidates, notes Reuters.
In early October, Trump stated that the US would not launch strikes against Iran before the elections, as the parties were engaged in ‘productive negotiations’. A few days later, he cast doubt on the possibility of continuing dialogue with Tehran and said that Washington no longer understood who it was dealing with. According to US officials, the Pentagon is prepared to resume large-scale military operations if it receives the appropriate order.