First 6 days of Iran war cost US taxpayers at least $11.3 billion
TOI GLOBAL | Mar 12, 2026, 19:56 IST
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The first six days of the U.S. war with Iran have cost American taxpayers at least $11.3 billion, according to Pentagon estimates reviewed by lawmakers, as fighting continues to escalate across the Middle East. A large portion of the spending came from military munitions, with about $5.6 billion used in just the first two days of the conflict. The war has also affected the global economy, pushing U.S. gas prices to an average of $3.59 per gallon after disruptions near the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil shipping route that carries about 20% of the world’s supply. The Biden administration signaled it may release emergency oil reserves along with other countries to stabilize markets. Meanwhile, casualties continue to rise across the region, cyberattacks linked to Iranian groups have targeted U.S. companies, and political backlash is growing at home as polls show increasing public concern over the cost and direction of the war.
U.S. lawmakers were presented with alarming cost estimates from the Pentagon as the war with Iran continued to escalate, with new attacks reported near the Strait of Hormuz and growing economic pressure at home. According to figures reviewed on Capitol Hill, the first six days of the conflict alone have cost American taxpayers at least $11.3 billion, highlighting the financial impact of a war that is expanding across the Middle East.
Defense officials told lawmakers that a large share of the spending came from weapons and military operations carried out in the opening phase of the conflict. Roughly $5.6 billion worth of munitions were used in just the first two days, according to a person familiar with the estimate. The rapid pace of spending reflects the intensity of the fighting, which has included missile strikes, air raids, and naval operations involving U.S. forces, Israel, and Iran.
The conflict has also begun to affect everyday costs for Americans. Average gasoline prices in the United States climbed to $3.59 per gallon after disruptions in oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most important energy routes in the world. About 20% of global oil supply normally passes through the narrow waterway, and recent attacks on ships in the region have raised fears of a prolonged supply crisis.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the United States is preparing to release a large portion of its emergency oil reserves as part of a coordinated effort with other countries. The plan, being discussed with members of the International Energy Agency, could involve using about 40% of current U.S. reserves to help stabilize global energy markets if the conflict continues.
President Donald Trump said he expects shipping traffic to return to normal soon and argued that Iran has already suffered heavy losses. He said the country has been “decimated” and is “paying a big price” for the confrontation. Iranian officials, however, warned that the war could push oil prices dramatically higher. A spokesperson for Iran’s military command said the price of crude could reach $200 per barrel if instability in the region continues.
Casualties are rising across the Middle East as the fighting enters its second week. More than a thousand people in Iran have reportedly been killed in U.S. and Israeli strikes, while hundreds more have died in Lebanon and other parts of the region. U.S. officials have confirmed that seven American service members were killed in retaliatory attacks.
The conflict has also spread into cyberspace. An Iran-linked hacking group claimed responsibility for a cyberattack on Michigan-based medical technology company Stryker, saying the operation was retaliation for a missile strike that killed civilians in Iran. The company said it is investigating the incident but believes the attack has been contained.
Political pressure is also building in Washington. New polling shows growing public concern about the war and its cost, and some commentators who previously supported the administration have begun to criticize the decision to enter the conflict. Podcast host Joe Rogan said many Americans feel misled after campaign promises that the United States would avoid new wars.
The first six days of the U.S. war with Iran have cost American taxpayers at least $11.3 billion, according to Pentagon estimates reviewed by lawmakers, as fighting continues to escalate across the Middle East. A large portion of the spending came from military munitions, with about $5.6 billion used in just the first two days of the conflict. The war has also affected the global economy, pushing U.S. gas prices to an average of $3.59 per gallon after disruptions near the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil shipping route that carries about 20% of the world’s supply. The Biden administration signaled it may release emergency oil reserves along with other countries to stabilize markets. Meanwhile, casualties continue to rise across the region, cyberattacks linked to Iranian groups have targeted U.S. companies, and political backlash is growing at home as polls show increasing public concern over the cost and direction of the war.
With military spending rising, oil prices unstable, and the fighting spreading across multiple fronts, the early days of the Iran war are already proving costly both on the battlefield and at home.
Defense officials told lawmakers that a large share of the spending came from weapons and military operations carried out in the opening phase of the conflict. Roughly $5.6 billion worth of munitions were used in just the first two days, according to a person familiar with the estimate. The rapid pace of spending reflects the intensity of the fighting, which has included missile strikes, air raids, and naval operations involving U.S. forces, Israel, and Iran.
The conflict has also begun to affect everyday costs for Americans. Average gasoline prices in the United States climbed to $3.59 per gallon after disruptions in oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most important energy routes in the world. About 20% of global oil supply normally passes through the narrow waterway, and recent attacks on ships in the region have raised fears of a prolonged supply crisis.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the United States is preparing to release a large portion of its emergency oil reserves as part of a coordinated effort with other countries. The plan, being discussed with members of the International Energy Agency, could involve using about 40% of current U.S. reserves to help stabilize global energy markets if the conflict continues.
President Donald Trump said he expects shipping traffic to return to normal soon and argued that Iran has already suffered heavy losses. He said the country has been “decimated” and is “paying a big price” for the confrontation. Iranian officials, however, warned that the war could push oil prices dramatically higher. A spokesperson for Iran’s military command said the price of crude could reach $200 per barrel if instability in the region continues.
Casualties are rising across the Middle East as the fighting enters its second week. More than a thousand people in Iran have reportedly been killed in U.S. and Israeli strikes, while hundreds more have died in Lebanon and other parts of the region. U.S. officials have confirmed that seven American service members were killed in retaliatory attacks.
The conflict has also spread into cyberspace. An Iran-linked hacking group claimed responsibility for a cyberattack on Michigan-based medical technology company Stryker, saying the operation was retaliation for a missile strike that killed civilians in Iran. The company said it is investigating the incident but believes the attack has been contained.
Political pressure is also building in Washington. New polling shows growing public concern about the war and its cost, and some commentators who previously supported the administration have begun to criticize the decision to enter the conflict. Podcast host Joe Rogan said many Americans feel misled after campaign promises that the United States would avoid new wars.
The first six days of the U.S. war with Iran have cost American taxpayers at least $11.3 billion, according to Pentagon estimates reviewed by lawmakers, as fighting continues to escalate across the Middle East. A large portion of the spending came from military munitions, with about $5.6 billion used in just the first two days of the conflict. The war has also affected the global economy, pushing U.S. gas prices to an average of $3.59 per gallon after disruptions near the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil shipping route that carries about 20% of the world’s supply. The Biden administration signaled it may release emergency oil reserves along with other countries to stabilize markets. Meanwhile, casualties continue to rise across the region, cyberattacks linked to Iranian groups have targeted U.S. companies, and political backlash is growing at home as polls show increasing public concern over the cost and direction of the war.
With military spending rising, oil prices unstable, and the fighting spreading across multiple fronts, the early days of the Iran war are already proving costly both on the battlefield and at home.