The US military campaign against Iran has already cost Washington $47.1 billion as of mid-October, while US diplomats warned Middle Eastern allies of potential new strikes following the November 3 congressional elections and possible retaliatory attacks from Tehran. The estimated military costs include about $29 billion to replace expended munitions, another $6.1 billion to replace lost equipment, and $11.9 billion to support operations and personnel, amounts that do not account for all damage to US bases in the region. These costs come amid discussions of a new military operation, in the event of which Iran could attack energy facilities and other critical infrastructure elements in regional countries, of which allies have been warned in advance. The US administration has not yet made a final decision regarding future strikes, but military preparations are already creating additional risks for oil supplies and the security of Middle Eastern nations.

The US military campaign against Iran has already cost Washington $47.1 billion as of mid-October, while US diplomats warned Middle Eastern allies of potential new strikes following the November 3 congressional elections and possible retaliatory attacks from Tehran. The estimated military costs include about $29 billion to replace expended munitions, another $6.1 billion to replace lost equipment, and $11.9 billion to support operations and personnel, amounts that do not account for all damage to US bases in the region. These costs come amid discussions of a new military operation, in the event of which Iran could attack energy facilities and other critical infrastructure elements in regional countries, of which allies have been warned in advance. The US administration has not yet made a final decision regarding future strikes, but military preparations are already creating additional risks for oil supplies and the security of Middle Eastern nations.