CNN: U.S. Iran War Costs Could Reach $50 Billion, Double Pentagon Figure

by AJP Posted : April 30, 2026, 16:33Updated : April 30, 2026, 16:33

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Smoke rises over Tehran, Iran. [Photo=Reuters/Yonhap]

The cost of the U.S. war with Iran could reach $50 billion, CNN reported, about double the $25 billion the Pentagon has publicly cited.

CNN and Reuters reported on the 30th that the Defense Department told Congress the previous day that the war had cost $25 billion so far.

CNN, citing multiple sources, said the actual total could be $40 billion to $50 billion.

Reuters said most of the Pentagon’s $25 billion estimate was for munitions, and it was not specifically confirmed whether the figure included rebuilding and repair costs for U.S. bases in the Middle East.

Officials cited by CNN said the higher estimate reflects restoration costs for U.S. facilities in Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. Reuters reported that Jules Hurst, the acting Pentagon comptroller, told Congress that most of the $25 billion was for munitions.

Reuters previously reported that in the first six days after the war began, U.S. costs alone were estimated at at least $11.3 billion. CNN’s latest report again highlights that the financial burden could exceed the official figure.

* This article has been translated by AI.

AJP