US war on Iran cost at least $11.3bn in first six days, officials tell Congress

WASHINGTON: Officials from the administration of Donald Trump told lawmakers this week that the first six days of the war against Iran cost the United States at least $11.3 billion.

The estimate was shared during a closed-door congressional briefing for senators on Tuesday, according to a source familiar with the matter. The figure does not represent the total cost of the war but was provided as lawmakers demanded more information about the conflict.

Several congressional aides said the White House is expected to soon submit a request to United States Congress for additional funding for the war effort.

Some officials believe the funding request could reach $50 billion, although others have suggested that even this estimate might be too low given the scale of the conflict.

The $11.3 billion figure was first reported by The New York Times.

According to officials, about $5.6 billion worth of munitions were used during the first two days of strikes alone as the campaign intensified.

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The conflict began on February 28 with airstrikes carried out by the United States and Israel, and has since spread across the region, including into Lebanon.

The war has reportedly killed around 2,000 people, mostly Iranians and Lebanese, and disrupted global energy markets and transport routes.

Members of Congress have raised concerns that the conflict could significantly deplete US military stockpiles at a time when the defence industry is already struggling to meet demand.

President Trump recently met executives from seven defence contractors as the United States Department of Defense works to replenish its weapons supplies.

Meanwhile, Democratic lawmakers have called for administration officials to testify publicly under oath regarding the president’s strategy for the war, including its expected duration and plans for Iran once the fighting ends.