United States military spending already on Iran war has topped more than $47 billion, more than a quarter more than the Pentagon’s earlier estimate, data obtained by reports show. The newest estimate hasn’t been made public, nor did the Pentagon immediately comment when asked. The Defence Department had earlier in July quoted a lower cost estimate for the conflict.
Over the course of several years, billions of dollars will be required to replace the weapons and equipment.
The latest assessment by the Pentagon has built in operational costs of running the war. It also forecasts that over more than $29 billion will be needed to replace munitions that have been fired during the conflict.
In addition, it could cost more than $6 billion to replace military equipment and pay for what the military calls “platform losses.” These are being increased by aircraft loss, especially that of drones destroyed in combat.
These numbers vividly illustrate how the war began in February when U.S. President Donald Trump stepped up against Iran with Israel and involved the American public in its financial costs. Trump had originally said it would be a pretty short a war.
Political Pressure Ahead of Midterms
Meanwhile, Republicans are in political trouble as costs of preparing for November’s midterm elections that will decide control of Congress for the next two years rise.
The war is reportedly having a negative impact on the stock markets’ favourability ratings of the Republicans and has also been pressure-testing Trump’s approval ratings. He’s now in a tight party position in Congress – with narrow majorities in both the House and Senate.
Strategy Behind Military Spending
Trump’s initial military strategy was to shoot low-end missiles with a high price tag at Iran’s defenses. The strategy was then to use more inexpensive munitions such as gravity bombs and Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs) launched from the air; these munitions are more plentiful.
But the recent feasibility estimates highlight the significant expenses in maintaining military missions and the need to replace worn down weapons and incurring losses.