Pentagon’s Iran war costs hit $38 billion in five months – budget office

Costs could rise by $2-3 billion a month or higher if the fighting escalates, the Congressional Budget Office has cautioned The US war with Iran cost the Pentagon approximately $38 billion in its first five months, according to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO). The bill could rise by another $2 billion to $3 billion for every additional month of fighting – and by more if hostilities intensify.In a report released on Tuesday, the CBO estimated Defense Department expenses from the start of US combat operations on February 28 through August 1. The figure includes the estimated cost of replacing expended munitions and equipment lost in battle, as well as additional flying hours, military operations, and higher fuel costs. The office said its estimate was “subject to considerable uncertainty” because the Pentagon did not provide the requested information, forcing analysts to rely on government databases and publicly available reports. The estimate also excludes the cost of repairing damaged US bases, military casualties, future veterans’ care, and expenses borne by other federal agencies.Another month of conflict would cost about $2 billion if violence remains at the “low and spora...