The United States has spent more than $47 billion on its war against Iran, with the latest Pentagon estimate showing a sharp increase in military costs since July, according to data obtained by Reuters.

The latest figure is more than 25 percent higher than the previous estimate of $37.5 billion provided by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in July.

Replacing Weapons Accounts for Most War Costs

More than $29 billion of the estimated spending would be needed to replace ammunition and missiles used during the conflict, while over $6 billion would be required to replace damaged or lost military equipment and platforms, including aircraft and drones.

The estimates cover operational expenses such as flight operations and cyber support. However, they do not clearly account for the substantial costs of repairing US military bases damaged by Iranian missile and drone attacks.

Iran War Costs Rise Ahead of US Elections

The rising cost of the conflict comes as Republicans face growing political pressure ahead of the November 3 elections, which will determine control of Congress for the next two years.

Higher global energy prices linked to the war have weighed on support for Republican candidates and contributed to declining approval ratings for President Donald Trump. Republicans currently hold narrow majorities in both chambers of Congress.

US Military Strategy Faces New Challenges

Trump launched the war jointly with Israel in February, initially predicting that the conflict would be brief. The US military’s early strategy relied on expensive precision missiles to destroy Iranian defenses before shifting to less costly weapons, including Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) gravity bombs.

An April ceasefire, however, gave Iran time to recover underground weapons storage facilities, allowing some of its defenses, missiles and drones to return to operation.

Pentagon Prepares for Possible Renewed Fighting

Trump has since imposed a naval blockade on Iran to restrict its oil export revenue and raised the possibility of resuming military operations after the US midterm elections. US officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the Pentagon has been preparing for a return to heavy fighting if ordered to do so.

The latest cost estimate highlights the financial burden of the conflict as Washington weighs its next steps. The projected spending includes the replacement of weapons and equipment, but the full cost of repairing damaged US military infrastructure remains unclear.