Pentagon Reports $11.3 Billion Spent on Munitions in First Six Days of Iran Conflict
The U.S. Department of Defense estimates that munitions expenditures during the initial six days of the conflict with Iran have reached $11.3 billion, prompting discussions about potential additional funding requests to Congress.
The U.S. Department of Defense has reported that munitions expenditures during the first six days of the conflict with Iran have totaled $11.3 billion. This figure, presented to Congress, does not encompass operational and maintenance costs or damages sustained from Iranian attacks.
In the initial two days alone, approximately $5.6 billion was spent on munitions. The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) estimates that during the first 100 hours of the conflict, the U.S. military expended about $891.4 million per day, totaling $3.7 billion. CSIS senior adviser Mark Cancian noted that while early costs were high, daily expenses are expected to decrease as the military shifts to less expensive munitions.
The Pentagon's annual budget does not account for these unbudgeted expenses, leading to expectations that President Donald Trump may request additional funding from Congress. Senator Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, indicated that reports suggest the administration could seek more than $50 billion in emergency funding for the conflict.
The conflict began on February 28, 2026, with joint U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran, resulting in significant casualties on both sides. U.S. and Israeli forces have targeted Iranian political and military leaders, while Iran has launched retaliatory attacks on U.S. bases and regional allies. As of March 10, the Pentagon confirmed approximately 140 U.S. troops injured, with eight in serious condition.
The financial implications of the conflict are substantial. The $11.3 billion spent on munitions in the first six days surpasses the $7.4 billion allocated to the National Cancer Institute and nearly matches the $12.4 billion designated for the Head Start program. Analysts warn that if the conflict continues, total direct military expenses could climb to between $40 billion and $95 billion, with broader economic damage potentially far higher.