U.S. Central Command estimates Iran war cost at $43.6 billion
Washington, Sept. 20 (SANA)U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said the cost of the war withIranreached about $43.6 billion as of Sept. 3, according to a new assessment submitted to members ofCongressand reported by Associated Press.The estimate represents the latest assessment of the costs of the conflict, which began on Feb. 28, according to the report.The assessment showed that the cost of weapons and munitions used byU.S.forces increased by more than $6 billion in just over a month, reaching about $28.1 billion, compared with $21.7 billion in a previous estimate by the Congressional Budget Office that put costs at about $38 billion through Aug. 1.The reported costs include the operation of warships, aircraft and military bases, as well as equipment losses and medical support for U.S. forces. The estimate does not include damage to U.S. bases in the Middle East from Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks.A report issued by the U.S. Department of War on Sept. 15 detailed losses and damage affecting U.S. bases, aircraft and diplomatic facilities in the Middle East between early April and the end of June, along with the depletion of advanced weapons and ammunition stocks.The developments come as U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration seeks approval for a $1.5 trillion military budget and requests congressional approval of a $95 billion package to help fund the war with Iran and other priorities.