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Pentagon Admits Iran War Cost $33.4B, Drained U.S. Munitions

The report says most of the cost came from munitions, while damaged aircraft and base repairs exposed inventory shortfalls and industrial bottlenecks.

  • On Monday, the Pentagon inspector general released a report detailing $33.4 billion in costs for Operation Epic Fury through June 30, confirming "strategic inventory shortfalls" and industrial bottlenecks for munitions resupply.
  • Joint U.S.-Israeli military operations launched February 28, 2026, as Operation Epic Fury, prompting Iranian retaliatory strikes that damaged hundreds of buildings across eight countries and forced U.S. Central Command to shift supply lines to Diego Garcia.
  • The report documents 11 service members killed and 417 wounded through June 30, with $22.3 billion spent on expended munitions. Combat losses included 30 MQ-9 Reaper drones, four F-15 fighter jets, and one damaged F-35 aircraft.
  • Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth estimated costs at $37.5 billion, while the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office calculated $38.1 billion through August 1, 2026, warning that rebuilding depleted interceptor stockpiles could take "at least five years."
  • Military and intelligence officials are quietly discussing permanent reductions in U.S. personnel and facilities in the region after the war concludes. Economists project the conflict will increase inflation by roughly 0.5 percentage points through early 2027 due to rising energy costs.
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Lean Left

The US has already spent $33.4 billion on the war.

Lean Right

The Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Defense reports that the Iran war has indeed led to ammunition shortages and bottlenecks in the supply of American troops. With these statements, he directly contradicts earlier statements by President Donald Trump, who has frequently claimed that the U.S. is not facing shortages at all.

·Amsterdam, Netherlands (Kingdom of the)
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Center

A report by the general inspector of the Department of Defense reveals "strategic deficits" and industrial bottlenecks after spending more than €19 billion on ammunition. The report's conclusions completely contradict the public stance of President Donald Trump, who has labeled any indication of military exhaustion as "fake news," even making sure that the US has "practically unlimited" reserves.The White House rejects the conclusions of the ind…

·Barcelona, Spain
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According to the report, the Iran war caused gaps in ammunition and supply bottlenecks.

·Zürich, Switzerland
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The Washington Post broke the news in Washington, United States on Monday, September 14, 2026.
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