Iran war has cost U.S. at least $42 billion, Pentagon tells Congress

According to The Hill, the Pentagon informed Congress last month that the cost of the war against Iran has climbed past $42 billion, up $4.5 billion from the previous public estimate.

The outlet reports defense officials shared the figure with congressional defense committees on Aug. 13, marking the first update since July, when Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth cited $37.5 billion.

The Hill notes Harvard’s Linda Bilmes previously estimated costs near $100 billion, while Democrats continue pressing for full disclosure. The Pentagon comptroller’s office said it has provided over 10 updates to Congress, per the report, though the House Armed Services Committee still lacks a total cost figure.