First 6 days of Iran war cost $11.3 billion, Pentagon tells Congress

Officials briefed the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense. One senator said he believes cost is higher since the figure didn't include aspects like munitions replacement.

WASHINGTON — Defense Department officials told senators in a closed-door briefing Tuesday that they estimate the first six days of the war in Iran cost more than $11.3 billion, according to three sources familiar with the briefing.

Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., told reporters Wednesday that he believes the amount is even higher, as the current figure does not include every aspect of the war.

“I expect that the current total operating number is significantly above that,” Coons said. “If all you’re looking at is the replacement cost for the munitions used, it’s already well beyond $10 billion.”

Reached for comment, a Pentagon spokesperson said: "We do not comment on closed-door discussions or matters. Regarding the cost of Operation Epic Fury, we won't know the cost until the mission is complete."

The briefing was first reported by The New York Times.