Pentagon officials announced that the total cost of the ongoing war with Iran has reached approximately $25 billion in its eighth week. The military intervention, codenamed “Operation Epic Fury,” has sparked debates in the country regarding the defense budget and additional appropriations.
elchi reports that when the US military operations against Iran began, the cost was reported to have reached $11.3 billion in the first six days.
As the 60th day of the war approaches, the process of Congress approving or rejecting the use of military force under the 1973 War Powers Act has come to the forefront.
The Pentagon has been the center of criticism for not providing an official cost update to Congress since the beginning of the conflict.
Pentagon comptroller Jules Hurst stated in his presentation to the House Armed Services Committee that the majority of the $25 billion in expenses consisted of ammunition costs.
This amount also includes operational expenses, maintenance work, and equipment replacement. Hurst stated that the expenses were covered by “contingency operations” funds within the current budget. However, some lawmakers reacted negatively to the lack of precise information on where taxpayers’ money is being spent. In addition, the rise in global oil prices due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the increase in fuel prices in the US are also increasing public pressure.
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