The Pentagon says the United States\u2019 military operations in its conflict with Iran have now cost about $29 billion (about KSh 3.75 trillion), as lawmakers demand greater transparency over how the war is being funded and its broader economic impact.<\/p>\n
The updated figure was presented to Congress by acting Pentagon comptroller Jules W. Hurst III, who said the estimate had risen from $25 billion in late April after fresh assessments of equipment losses and operational spending.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt the time of testimony, it was $25 billion. But the joint staff team and the comptroller team are constantly looking at estimates, and now we think it is closer to 29,\u201d Hurst told lawmakers,\u00a0 according to the Guardian.<\/p>\n
He explained that the increase reflects rising costs of maintaining U.S. forces in the Middle East and replacing military equipment damaged or used in combat operations.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s because of updated repair and replacement of equipment costs and also general operational costs to keep people in theatre,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The war escalated after months of rising tensions between Washington and Tehran, triggered by attacks on U.S. military positions in the Middle East attributed to Iran-backed groups, and retaliatory American strikes on Iranian-linked military infrastructure.<\/p>\n
According to U.S. officials, the situation quickly expanded from limited regional operations into a broader military campaign after both sides carried out direct strikes, raising fears of a wider Middle East war affecting global oil routes and security.<\/p>\n
The Pentagon says the current spending figure covers operations since the escalation began in February, including airstrikes, missile defence, troop deployments, and logistics support across multiple bases in the region.<\/p>\n
The Pentagon\u2019s $29 billion estimate\u2014equivalent to roughly KSh 3.75 trillion\u2014has become a major political issue in Washington, with lawmakers questioning the lack of detailed breakdowns of war spending.<\/p>\n
Defense officials acknowledge that the figure does not include longer-term costs such as reconstruction of damaged bases, veteran care, or broader economic impacts linked to higher global oil prices.<\/p>\n
Military analysts say the total financial burden is likely to grow if the conflict continues, as ammunition use, troop rotations, and equipment replacement costs increase.<\/p>\n
The war has also contributed to volatility in global energy markets, adding inflationary pressure internationally as shipping routes in the Middle East remain under threat.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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