Operation Epic Fury
US-Iran War Cost Tracker
This counter tracks the estimated cost of Operation Epic Fury to US taxpayers since February 28, 2026, using a phased model: ~$1.88B/day for the initial strikes (Days 1–6, per Pentagon briefing to Congress), ~$500M/day for sustained operations (CSIS/Mark Cancian), and ~$95M/day during the ceasefire standby (CSIS Apr 30: "under $100M/day") period beginning April 8. Actual costs vary with operational tempo. Figures are estimates from publicly available sources. For verified death tolls across US, Iranian, and civilian losses, see our Iran War Casualties Tracker.
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Where the Money Goes
Early-phase daily spending breakdown by category (CSIS first 100 hours analysis). Rates declined significantly after Day 4 as US shifted from Tomahawks to JDAMs.
Munitions & Interceptors
Tomahawk cruise missiles ($3.5M each), JDAMs ($80K each), Patriot PAC-3 and SM-3 interceptors. Largest cost driver — shifted from expensive stand-off weapons to cheaper gravity bombs after Day 4.
Air Operations
Fighter sorties, bomber runs, aerial refueling, tanker and cargo aircraft. Based on CBO unit operating cost rates adjusted for higher wartime tempo.
Naval Operations
Three carrier strike groups deployed (Lincoln, Ford, Bush). Nuclear-powered carriers keep fuel costs low; primary costs are aviation fuel, crew pay, and consumables.
Equipment Losses
4 F-15Es (~$100M each), 24 MQ-9 Reapers ($30M each), 1 MQ-4C Triton, 7 KC-135 Stratotankers, 1 F-35A, 1 A-10, 1 E-3 Sentry, 2 MC-130Js, 1 HH-60W — 42 total aircraft lost or damaged per CRS report IN12692 (May 13, 2026). 4 AN/TPY-2 THAAD radars (~$485M each), 1 E-7A radar aircraft ($700M, struck at Prince Sultan AB Mar 27). CSIS total-attrition estimate: $2.3–2.8B; CBS News / internal US officials put full asset losses at ~$11.9B when bases and specialized equipment included. Pentagon comptroller attributed $24B of the $29B total to equipment repair/replacement.
Intelligence & ISR
ISR platforms including MQ-4C Triton, RQ-4 Global Hawks ($176M each), satellite imagery, and cyber operations. Several drones lost over Persian Gulf.
Personnel & Logistics
Ground operations, combat pay, supply chains, medical support for ~50,000+ deployed personnel. CSIS estimates ~$1.6M/day for ground ops.
What $34.25B Could Have Funded Instead
Each dollar spent on Operation Epic Fury is a dollar not spent elsewhere. Here is what the same total would have bought in civilian programs at current unit costs.
Timeline
Trump declares deal "now complete"; authorizes Hormuz opening and blockade removal; signing June 19 Switzerland; G7 discusses deal June 15; no new DoD cost figures
Late June 14, Trump declared the Iran deal "is now complete," posting on Truth Social that he authorizes "the toll free opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and, simultaneously herewith, authorize the immediate removal of the United States Naval blockade." Pakistan PM Sharif confirmed the formal signing ceremony is scheduled for Friday June 19 in Switzerland with VP Vance and special envoy Witkoff. Deal terms confirmed: Hormuz opens toll-free immediately; US naval blockade lifted; Iran removes mines within 30 days; $25B in frozen Iranian assets released; Iran commits not to produce a nuclear weapon; 60-day window for nuclear and enriched uranium talks; hostilities end including in Lebanon. On June 15, G7 leaders at the Évian summit discussed the consequences of the agreement, the lasting Hormuz reopening, Lebanon support, and concluding an Iran nuclear accord (Macron); UK, France, Germany, and Italy welcomed the deal; UN Secretary-General Guterres called it "a critical step." No new US-Iran land or facility strikes reported June 14–15. No new official Pentagon, DoD, CBO, or CSIS cost figures released for this period. The $29B Pentagon comptroller figure (Hurst, May 12) remains the latest official cumulative cost. The $95M/day ceasefire-standby rate in COST_PHASES remains in effect — if the MOU is signed and Hormuz reopens, phase-rate implications will require a new official DoD assessment before this config is updated.
Trump says deal to be signed Sunday in Geneva; Iran FM disputes June 14 date; Vance: language still being finalized; no signed MOU; no new cost figures
Trump stated publicly on June 13–14 that the US-Iran deal would be signed "on Sunday" (June 14) in Geneva, with VP Vance as the US signatory and Iran's Parliament Speaker Qalibaf as the Iranian signatory. Trump posted that "immediately after it is signed, the Hormuz Strait is OPEN TO ALL." US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said a deal could come "this weekend or Monday." However, Iran's Foreign Ministry stated the MOU "won't be signed on Sunday" but could happen in "coming days," and Iran's state-affiliated Fars news agency called a June 14 Geneva signing "completely baseless." VP Vance told reporters they are "going back and forth on a couple of language points" and said it is "hard to say exactly when, or if, the president's going to sign the MOU." Deal terms confirmed by multiple mediator and US official sources: Hormuz to be unrestricted with no tolls; Iran removes mines within 30 days; US naval blockade lifted as Hormuz reopens; $24B in frozen Iranian assets released; Iran commits not to pursue nuclear weapons; enriched uranium disposal negotiated in 60-day window. No new US-Iran land strikes reported June 14. No new official Pentagon, DoD, CBO, or CSIS cost figures released. The $29B Pentagon comptroller figure (Hurst, May 12) remains the latest official cumulative cost; $95M/day ceasefire-standby rate in COST_PHASES unchanged pending any signed deal and subsequent DoD announcement.
Pakistan PM declares "final, agreed upon text" of MOU reached; Vance says "still TBD"; Geneva signing proposed for June 14
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on June 12–13 that "a final, agreed upon text of the peace deal has been reached" between the US and Iran, with the agreement being referred to as the "Islamabad MOU" in recognition of Pakistan's mediation role. The Trump administration named VP Vance as the signatory and confirmed Geneva as the venue for a proposed June 14 signing ceremony, with four US Air Force C-17s departing to Europe to prepare logistics. However, Vance publicly described the signing timing as "still TBD," and Iran's Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson said Iran is in "final stages of internal deliberations" and could not confirm where or when a signing would occur. Iran's FM Araghchi stated the deal "has never been closer" but urged caution on media speculation "pending its finalisation." The MOU framework calls for: Hormuz to reopen immediately without tolls; a 60-day ceasefire extension (including Lebanon) during which nuclear negotiations would be held; Iran to receive sanctions relief based on compliance; and Iran to commit not to obtain a nuclear weapon. The MOU was not signed as of June 13. No new official Pentagon, DoD, or CSIS cost figures were released; the $29B figure (Pentagon comptroller Hurst, May 12) remains the latest official cumulative cost. Pending any signed deal and subsequent DoD assessment, the $95M/day ceasefire-standby rate in COST_PHASES remains in effect.
Trump cancels strikes, claims "great settlement" reached; IAEA Board resolution passed; no new DoD cost figures
On the evening of June 11, Trump posted on Truth Social that he canceled "scheduled strikes and bombings against Iran this evening," claiming "discussions and final points have been, in both concept and great detail, approved by all parties involved." From the Oval Office, Trump said "We just made a great settlement of the war with Iran, subject to finalization of documents" and anticipated a signing "maybe in Europe" with VP Vance in the coming days. The deal framework envisions Hormuz reopened with no tolls, US naval blockade lifted, Iran commits not to obtain a nuclear weapon, and a 60-day window for talks on Iran's enriched uranium. Iran's FM spokesperson Baghaei stated "Iran has not reached a final decision regarding any agreement." Netanyahu said Israel is "not a party" to the emerging MOU. Separately, the IAEA Board of Governors on June 10 passed a resolution (21 for, 3 against, 10 abstentions) demanding Iran declare its uranium stockpiles and grant inspectors immediate access — a 97-day monitoring blackout was cited. No new official Pentagon, CBO, or CSIS cost figures were released for this period. The $29B Pentagon comptroller figure (May 12) remains the most recent official cumulative cost; no supplemental request has been submitted to Congress. Active strikes were conducted June 9–11, but the phase rate implications await official DoD release.
Iran strikes US bases in Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan; Hormuz fully closed again
Iran's IRGC launched retaliatory strikes against US forces in Bahrain (Fifth Fleet HQ), Ali Al Salem airbase in Kuwait, and Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan (housing F-35s) after the US strikes over the downed Apache. The US launched a second round of attacks on "multiple targets in Iran" on June 10, with Hegseth defending the escalation: "If we need to negotiate with bombs, we'll negotiate with bombs." US strikes also hit two water storage reservoirs in Sirik County (Hormozgan Province), supplying drinking water to ~20,000 residents — Iran called it a war crime. Iran declared complete closure of the Strait of Hormuz to all vessels. No new official Pentagon cost figures were released; Rep. McCollum's June 11 deadline for a DoD cost breakdown passed without a Pentagon response.
Iran downs US Apache helicopter over Strait of Hormuz; US retaliates
An Iranian Shahed one-way attack drone shot down a US Army AH-64 Apache helicopter patrolling over the Strait of Hormuz. Both crew members were rescued safely within two hours by an unmanned Navy drone boat. CENTCOM launched "self-defense" retaliatory strikes beginning at 22:00 GMT June 9 through ~01:00 GMT June 10, targeting Iranian radar sites, ground control stations, and air defense sites near Hormuz — including positions on Qeshm Island, Sirik, Jask, and Bandar Abbas. The strikes marked the most intense US-Iran military exchange since the April 8 ceasefire. No new cumulative cost figures were released by DoD for this exchange.
Iran war spending strains military budgets; training cuts, maintenance delays
CNN reported that Operation Epic Fury costs are forcing cuts to routine military readiness. III Armored Corps (70,000 troops, Texas) faced a nearly $292M training budget cut in late April. Navy Admiral Daryl Caudle told HASC lawmakers the 2026 Navy budget "did not account for [Operation] Epic Fury," forcing limits on training exercises, flight hours, and new recruit training. Defense budget expert Todd Harrison warned of "hidden costs" from accelerated equipment wear requiring future supplemental funding. No supplemental had been submitted to Congress as of this date; Rep. McCollum had demanded a detailed cost breakdown by June 11 for the defense bill markup.
CRS: 42 US aircraft lost or damaged in Operation Epic Fury
The Congressional Research Service published IN12692, "U.S. Aircraft Combat Losses in Operation Epic Fury: Considerations for Congress," tallying 42 aircraft lost or damaged: 24 MQ-9 Reapers, 1 MQ-4C Triton, 4 F-15E Strike Eagles, 7 KC-135 Stratotankers, 1 F-35A, 1 A-10, 1 E-3 Sentry, 2 MC-130Js, and 1 HH-60W. The CRS noted the count "may remain subject to revision" due to classification and ongoing activity. Six aircrew were killed (KC-135 crash Mar 12). The report reinforced why $24B of the $29B total cost is attributed to equipment repair and replacement.
Pentagon comptroller: war cost now $29B
Pentagon comptroller Jules Hurst testified before House and Senate appropriations subcommittees that the Iran war has cost $29B — up $4B from the $25B figure given April 29 — attributing the increase to "updated repair and replacement of equipment" and "general operational costs." The $29B figure excludes base damage costs. Defense Secretary Hegseth declined to specify when a supplemental would be submitted; Rep. Calvert urged one "sooner rather than later." Harvard economist Linda Bilmes projected a $1 trillion total cost including long-term costs; Rep. Ro Khanna cited a $631B estimated total economic impact.
Trump: ceasefire on "massive life support"
Trump publicly called Iran's peace proposal response "stupid" and "a piece of garbage," saying he "didn't even finish reading it." Iran demanded an end to the regional war (including Lebanon), lifting of the US blockade and sanctions, release of frozen assets, and compensation for war damage. Trump rejected the proposal as "totally unacceptable." Lebanon-Israel intensive talks scheduled for May 14–15 in Washington. No new official war-cost figures released this week; Pentagon supplemental request remains unsubmitted to Congress.
US strikes Iranian ports; tankers disabled
After Iranian fast-attack craft fired on USS Truxtun, USS Mason, and USS Rafael Peralta (no hits), the US launched "self-defense strikes" on Iranian port facilities. F/A-18s disabled two Iranian oil tankers — M/T Sea Star III and M/T Sevda — in the Gulf of Oman. Trump called the strikes "just a love tap." The US blockade had by this point turned away 58 vessels attempting to reach Iranian ports.
Iran War Funding Prohibition bill introduced
Rep. Pat Ryan leads 17 Democratic colleagues — including 14 Democratic veterans and ranking members of the HASC, Foreign Affairs, and Intelligence Committees — in introducing legislation to bar further Iran war spending absent an AUMF or formal declaration of war. Pentagon has yet to submit any supplemental request to Congress; internal estimates of a future ask range from $50B to $200B+.
Trump War Powers letter declares hostilities "terminated"
In a War Powers Act letter to Congress, Trump formally declares hostilities with Iran "terminated" for War Powers purposes — though carrier groups remain forward-deployed and the dual Hormuz blockade continues. Iran sends a fresh peace proposal to Pakistani mediators the same day.
Brent crude tops $126
Crude prices peak at $126/bbl on continued Hormuz disruption and Iranian rejection of new IAEA terms. Pull back to ~$108 May 1 after Iran sends new peace proposal via Pakistan.
Pentagon comptroller: $25B spent
At House Armed Services Committee testimony, Defense Secretary Hegseth and the Pentagon comptroller place direct war costs at $25B through Apr 28. Internal CRS estimates run $40–50B. Penn Wharton Budget Model revises projection to $38–47B (base case $42.5B through end of April).
Baker Hughes warns Hormuz reopening unlikely before H2 2026
Baker Hughes CEO tells CNBC the Strait will not see normal commercial flow before second-half 2026. Roughly 2,000 ships reported stranded. Insurance underwriters quote "no-go" for non-sanctions-cleared transits.
IRGC seizes MV Epaminondas + MSC Francesca
IRGC fast-attack craft seize two cargo vessels in the Gulf of Oman — the first vessel seizures attributed to Iran since the war began. Tehran calls them "in-kind response" to the Touska seizure. Brent crude jumps to ~$118.
Ceasefire expires; Trump extends indefinitely
Two-week ceasefire period ends; Trump extends the cessation of hostilities indefinitely via executive directive. Islamabad negotiations (Apr 11) failed to produce a permanent agreement. Hormuz remains effectively closed — Iran reimposed transit restrictions Apr 18 after briefly announcing reopening. US Navy seized an Iranian tanker (Apr 19). No US-Iran direct strikes since Apr 7.
Pentagon awards $4.7B Patriot contract
Pentagon signs $4.76B deal with Lockheed Martin for PAC-3 MSE interceptors, tripling production from 600 to 2,000/yr by 2030. Stocks were depleted during heavy use in Operation Epic Fury.
Ceasefire announced
Two-week ceasefire (ending Apr 21) brokered by Pakistan PM Sharif and army chief Munir. White House declares major combat objectives met. Ceasefire immediately violated — Israel strikes Lebanon, Iran-aligned forces hit Gulf states within hours. Strait of Hormuz nominally reopened but Iran charges $1M+ toll per ship.
Cost reaches ~$28B
CSIS senior adviser Mark Cancian estimates ~$500M/day ongoing rate. NPR and Irish Times publish cost analyses ($22.3B–$31B range).
IRGC naval commander killed
Israeli airstrike kills IRGC naval commander Alireza Tangsiri, accused of directing the Hormuz blockade.
Natanz nuclear facility struck
US conducts bunker-buster strikes on Natanz. Iran retaliates by striking Dimona nuclear research center in Israel, injuring 78+.
Pentagon requests $200B+ supplemental
DoD sends $200B+ supplemental request to White House for approval; Hegseth says figure "could move." War cost estimated at ~$18B. Congress had not yet received a formal request as of Mar 26.
$16.5B by Day 12
CSIS updates estimate. Daily rate declining as US shifts from Tomahawks ($3.5M each) to JDAMs ($80K each) after establishing air dominance.
Cost debates intensify
Al Jazeera reports estimates ranging from $500M to $2B per day. Penn Wharton projects $40-95B for a two-month conflict.
$11.3B by Day 6
Pentagon briefs Congress in closed session. NBC reports the first six days cost $11.3B, driven by Tomahawk and interceptor expenditure.
$3.7B spent in first 100 hours
CSIS releases initial cost estimate. Munitions alone account for $3.1B, with $1.7B in interceptors against Iranian drones and missiles.
Iran confirms Khamenei's death
Iran retaliates with hundreds of drones and ballistic missiles. Two carrier strike groups positioned in Persian Gulf and Arabian Sea.
Operation Epic Fury begins
US and Israel launch joint strikes on Iranian military installations. Supreme Leader Khamenei killed in initial strikes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the US-Iran war cost per day?
Costs varied by phase: ~$1.88B/day in the first 6 days (heavy Tomahawk and interceptor use per Pentagon briefing), declining to ~$500M/day as the US shifted to cheaper munitions (CSIS). Since the April 8 ceasefire, standby costs are estimated at ~$95M/day.
What is Operation Epic Fury?
Operation Epic Fury is the US military code name for joint operations with Israel against Iran, which began on February 28, 2026. Initial strikes killed Supreme Leader Khamenei. A fragile ceasefire brokered by Pakistan took effect April 8, 2026.
How much has the US-Iran war cost in total?
As of day 107, the estimated total cost is approximately $34.25B. Penn Wharton Budget Model estimates $27–28B in direct military costs through the ceasefire. CSIS reported $11.3B at Day 6 and $16.5B at Day 12.
Who is paying for the US-Iran war?
US taxpayers fund Operation Epic Fury through the Department of Defense budget. The Pentagon requested over $200B in supplemental funding, later reduced to ~$80–100B. No supplemental has been passed by Congress as of April 2026.
How does the cost compare to other wars?
At its peak rate of ~$1.88B/day (first 6 days), Epic Fury was far costlier per day than the Iraq War (~$410M/day average) or Afghanistan (~$300M/day). Total direct costs through the ceasefire (~$25B Pentagon-confirmed by Apr 28; CRS internal estimates $40–50B) make it one of the most expensive short-duration US military operations in history.
When did the Iran war start?
The US-Iran war — code-named Operation Epic Fury — began on February 28, 2026, when joint US-Israeli strikes hit Iranian military and nuclear installations. Initial strikes killed Supreme Leader Khamenei.
Is the US-Iran war over?
No. A fragile ceasefire brokered by Pakistan took effect on April 8, 2026. On April 19, 2026, the US reimposed restrictions following renewed Iranian missile activity. The status remains contested — standby costs continue to accrue while the conflict is officially paused rather than concluded.
How much does the Iran war cost per US taxpayer?
As of day 107, the US-Iran war has cost approximately $201.46 per US federal taxpayer, based on total spending of $34.25B divided across an estimated 170 million US taxpayers.
How many Americans have died in the Iran war?
Congressional Research Service (CRS R48887) has not yet released a consolidated casualty figure. See our upcoming casualties tracker for verified US service member figures — we only publish numbers that can be cross-referenced against DoD and CRS disclosures.
Has Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz?
Yes — on March 2, 2026, the IRGC announced closure of the Strait of Hormuz to US and Israel-allied shipping. See our Strait of Hormuz tracker for current status, oil price impact, and war-risk insurance rates.
What happens to the cost estimate if the ceasefire fails?
The phased model likely understates a resumption scenario. The ~$500M/day Phase 2 rate assumes US air dominance and a JDAM-dominant munitions mix. Iran is expected to reconstitute air defenses during the ceasefire (as observed in Iraq 1991–2003, Libya, and Serbia rebuilds). A return to combat would require another expensive SEAD/DEAD phase — stand-off cruise missiles, anti-radiation missiles, and interceptor expenditure against reconstituted Iranian launches — before the US could revert to cheaper munitions. First 2–3 weeks of a resumption could run 2–4x the sustained rate. This model does not forecast post-ceasefire scenarios; totals shown are historical through April 8 plus standby positioning since.
Caveat added after a reader methodology question from r/geopolitics, April 21, 2026.
Sources & Methodology
This tracker uses a phased cost model: ~$1.88B/day for Days 1–6 (Pentagon briefing to Congress), ~$500M/day for sustained operations Days 7–39 (CSIS senior adviser Mark Cancian), and ~$95M/day during the ceasefire standby period beginning April 8. All figures are estimates from publicly available sources and should be independently verified before citation.
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