The first week of the U.S. military campaign against Iran—known as Operation Epic Fury—has already cost American taxpayers an estimated $11.3 billion, according to figures disclosed by the United States Department of Defence during a classified briefing to lawmakers.
The cost estimate, first reported by Associated Press, covers only the initial week of operations and does not represent the total projected cost of the conflict. Officials say the spending reflects the rapid deployment of aircraft, missiles, naval forces, and advanced military systems as the United States escalated operations in the region.
Early reports indicate that roughly $5 billion was spent on munitions alone during the opening weekend, highlighting the enormous financial scale of modern warfare.
What Is Operation Epic Fury?
Operation Epic Fury is the U.S. military campaign targeting Iranian military infrastructure and strategic capabilities following escalating tensions in the region.
While the full operational details remain classified, defence analysts say the campaign involves:
- Long-range missile strikes
- Carrier-based air operations
- Electronic warfare systems
- Intelligence and surveillance deployments
- Cyber operations targeting military networks
Much of the spending reflects the cost of precision-guided weapons and rapid troop deployments across the Middle East.
Why the First Week Alone Cost $11.3 Billion
Modern military campaigns burn through funding quickly due to the high price of advanced weapons systems and logistics.
Major cost drivers in the opening week
The Pentagon’s early estimate includes:
- Precision-guided missiles and bombs
- Naval carrier strike group operations
- Air Force flight hours and refuelling missions
- Satellite intelligence and surveillance
- Deployment and sustainment of troops
The $5 billion reportedly spent on munitions over the first weekend reflects the heavy use of high-cost precision weapons designed to hit strategic targets.
For comparison, individual advanced missiles used in modern conflicts can cost hundreds of thousands to several million dollars per unit.
Why the White House May Ask Congress for $50 Billion
As operations continue, the White House is expected to request additional funding from United States Congress.
Senior officials in the administration of Donald Trump have indicated that a supplemental defence funding request could arrive soon.
Possible size of the funding request
Estimates circulating among lawmakers suggest the request could be:
- Up to $50 billion, according to some officials
- Potentially higher, depending on how long the conflict continues
Supplemental funding bills are common during wartime and allow the Pentagon to access additional resources beyond its regular annual defence budget.
Why Pentagon Contracts Are Facing Scrutiny
Beyond battlefield spending, attention has also shifted to defence contractors competing for lucrative military contracts tied to the conflict.
One company drawing particular attention is Powerus, a rapidly growing drone manufacturer seeking Pentagon contracts.
Why the company is controversial
The company is partly owned by Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr., the two eldest sons of President Donald Trump.
Critics argue that this raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest if the company secures large defence contracts while their father is president.
Ethics experts say such situations typically trigger intense scrutiny to ensure procurement decisions remain impartial.
How Powerus Became a Rising Defence Contractor
Powerus was originally founded by veterans of the United States Army Special Operations.
The company initially focused on drones designed for commercial uses, such as:
- Infrastructure inspection
- Security monitoring
- Industrial mapping
However, it is now rapidly expanding into military drone production.
The company’s recent growth
In the past six months alone, Powerus has:
- Acquired three competing drone companies
- Expanded into armed drone systems
- Begun targeting Pentagon procurement programs
These drones resemble systems widely used in the Russia‑Ukraine War, where unmanned aircraft have become a dominant battlefield technology.
Why Drone Warfare Is Becoming Central to Modern Conflicts
The rapid expansion of companies like Powerus reflects a larger shift in military strategy.
In conflicts from Ukraine to the Middle East, drones have transformed warfare by offering:
- Lower costs compared with traditional aircraft
- Precision targeting capabilities
- Reduced risk to pilots
- Persistent surveillance
As a result, militaries around the world are investing heavily in autonomous and AI-enabled drone systems.
How Much Do Wars Typically Cost the United States
The early cost of Operation Epic Fury fits a broader pattern of high financial costs for modern conflicts.
Recent examples include:
- War in Afghanistan – estimated $2 trillion total cost
- Iraq War – estimated $1.9 trillion
- Russia‑Ukraine War – tens of billions in U.S. military aid
Because many costs—such as veteran care and equipment replacement—continue for decades, the true financial impact often far exceeds early estimates.
TL;DR
- The Pentagon says the U.S. spent $11.3 billion in the first week of its campaign against Iran, called Operation Epic Fury.
- Around $5 billion was spent on munitions in the opening weekend alone.
- The White House may request up to $50 billion from Congress to fund continued operations.
- A drone company called Powerus, partly owned by Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr., is seeking Pentagon contracts—raising conflict-of-interest concerns.
- The war highlights both the high cost of modern warfare and the growing importance of drone technology on the battlefield.
