US defense officials have informed senators that the first six days of military action against Iran cost more than $11.3bn, according to multiple reports. The New York Times first reported the figure, citing sources familiar with a closed-door briefing on Tuesday. The estimate does not include pre-strike military buildup costs, and lawmakers expect the total to rise as the Pentagon calculates further expenses.
The White House is expected to submit additional funding requests for the conflict, despite President Donald Trump's claim that the US has a 'virtually unlimited supply' of ammunition. The administration has not provided a public cost estimate and has sent mixed signals about the war's timeline. Trump stated on Wednesday that 'we won' but added that the US would stay to 'finish the job'.
Oil prices have surged past $100 a barrel, dropping to $98 on Thursday, pushing up gasoline prices. The national average for a gallon of fuel is $3.59, up from $2.94 a month ago, according to the American Automobile Association. Trump suggested on Truth Social that higher oil prices benefit the US as the world's largest oil producer, writing that 'when oil prices go up, we make a lot of money'. He later told reporters that prices would 'come down more than anybody understands'.
Critics argue that the war exposes the instability of fossil fuel dependence, unlike renewable energy sources. The conflict has caused hundreds of deaths and an ecological crisis from strikes on oil depots. Meanwhile, Iran's new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has called for national unity and demanded the closure of US bases in the region, while keeping the Strait of Hormuz closed to pressure enemies.
