Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the Pentagon is “lying” about the economic cost of the war launched by the Trump administration on February 28 alongside Israel’s leadership.
In a post on X, Araghchi claimed that “Netanyahu’s gamble has directly cost America $100 billion so far, four times what is claimed.”
He further argued that indirect costs for US taxpayers are rising sharply, saying the monthly burden per American household is “$500 and rising fast,” adding the phrase: “Israel First always means America Last.”
Araghchi stated that the total financial burden tied to regional conflicts has already crossed $100 billion.
He also warned that indirect economic pressures are increasing, suggesting a growing strain on American households due to ongoing military engagement.
Pentagon’s official $25bln estimate
Earlier, a senior Pentagon official told Congress that the United States’ war in Iran has cost around $25 billion so far.
Jules “Jay” Hurst III, acting Pentagon comptroller, said most of the spending went toward munitions. However, he did not provide a detailed breakdown or confirm whether reconstruction costs were included.
The figure was presented amid rising political pressure on President Donald Trump’s administration, as public frustration grows ahead of the midterm elections.
Political debate in Washington escalates
Representative Adam Smith, top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, welcomed the disclosure but said lawmakers had long demanded clarity.
“I’m glad you answered that question,” Smith said, criticizing the lack of earlier transparency.
The $25 billion estimate is roughly equal to NASA’s entire annual budget, raising further scrutiny over defense spending.
The estimate has sparked debate after reports suggested the first six days of the conflict alone may have cost $11.3 billion.
It remains unclear how the Pentagon reached the total figure, especially as US military operations continue across the Middle East.
The US has deployed tens of thousands of troops and maintained three aircraft carriers in the region since the conflict began.
Hegseth defends war spending
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the costs, saying the spending was necessary to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
He pushed back against criticism, calling Democratic claims of a “quagmire” harmful and politically motivated.
Hegseth also described some lawmakers’ remarks as “reckless, feckless, and defeatist.”
