Cost Of Iran War Has Increased $4 Billion, Pentagon Says—But Some Estimates Say It’s Closer To $200 Billion

BreakingBusinessCost Of Iran War Has Increased $4 Billion, Pentagon Says—But Some Estimates Say It’s Closer To $200 BillionBySara Dorn,Forbes Staff. Sara Dorn is a Forbes news reporter who covers politics.Follow AuthorMay 12, 2026, 10:07am EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.ToplineThe cost of the Iran war has ballooned $4 billion since the Pentagon’s last public estimate less than two weeks ago, officials said Tuesday—though the economic costs of the war are likely significantly higher. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine testify during a House hearing to examine the 2027 budget for the Department of Defense on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, on May 12, 2026. (Photo by SAUL LOEB / AFP via Getty Images)AFP via Getty ImagesKey FactsThe war has cost around $29 billion, Defense Department Comptroller Jay Hurst told Congress Tuesday, attributing the increase to “updated repair and replacement of equipment cost and also just general operational cost.”Hurst previously told Congress at the end of April the war has cost $25 billion so far.This is a developing story and will be updated.Got a tip? Share confidential information with Forbes.Editorial StandardsReprints & PermissionsLOADING VIDEO PLAYER...FORBES’ FEATURED Video