The United States, alongside Israel, launched military operations against Iran on February 28, 2026, under the designation Operation Epic Fury (OEF), triggering a conflict that has involved air, missile and maritime combat engagements across the Middle East with the cost of war running into tens of billions of dollars. Although combat activity slowed following a ceasefire in April, some strikes resumed within weeks and the situation remains unstable.
The Department of Defense (DOD), operating under a secondary “Department of War” designation under Executive Order 14347 dated September 5, 2025, has not released a comprehensive assessment of losses suffered during the operation, reports Congressional Research Service. However, during a May 12, 2026 hearing, Acting Pentagon Comptroller Jules W. Hurst III stated that the estimated cost of military operations in Iran had increased to $29 billion, with much of the rise linked to equipment repair and replacement costs.
