The Iran War Is Costing American Taxpayers $87.6 Billion - and the Pentagon Has Not Been Paid Yet

The White House submitted an $87.6 billion supplemental spending request to Congress on June 25 to cover the cost of Operation Epic Fury - the U.S.-led war with Iran that began February 28 without congressional authorization. The Pentagon has not been reimbursed. Congress has not committed to a vote.

What You Should Know

The OMB request covers primary Pentagon replenishment costs from the Iran war, plus separate components for U.S. farmer assistance and an Ebola response. The Pentagon’s original request was approximately $200 billion; the submitted figure is significantly scaled back. In March, the New York Times reported that just the first six days of Operation Epic Fury cost more than $11 billion.

The request arrived the same day Trump reportedly had a shouting match with Republican senators over their votes on the war powers resolution - the same senators now being asked to fund the war they voted to end.

The Money Trail

At $87.6 billion, this is one of the largest single supplemental spending requests the Pentagon has submitted. The money covers munitions replenishment, equipment costs, and operational expenses incurred since February 28. It does not include costs from the 60-day peace negotiation process or any future military repositioning.

Several members in both parties have said they will not vote to fund an unauthorized war without an authorization vote attached to the bill. That standoff could leave the Pentagon absorbing costs from existing appropriations, pulling money from other programs.

The Receipts

PBS/AP confirmed the OMB submission. The NYT March report on the $11 billion six-day figure is part of the Pentagon’s classified cost briefing to members. The OMB request is an official public record submitted through formal appropriations channels.

What Happens Next

Congress must decide whether to take up the supplemental before the August recess. Any vote will force members on record regarding funding for a conflict whose authorization remains legally disputed. Republicans in close midterm districts face the worst political math.

References: PBS NewsHour