WASHINGTON, May 11 — The cost of the US military operation against Iran continues to grow and has already exceeded US$77 billion by the 71st day of the operation, according to the Iran War Cost Tracker portal, reported Sputnik/RIA Novosti.
The resource updates data in real time and calculates the funds needed to maintain personnel, ships deployed to the region, and other related expenses. The calculation methodology is based on a Pentagon report to Congress, which stated that the first six days cost US$11.3 billion, with costs expected to reach US$1 billion per day thereafter.
In late April, Under Secretary of Defence (Comptroller) and Chief Financial Officer Jules Hurst told lawmakers at a hearing of the House Armed Services Committee that US costs related to the conflict with Iran were approximately US$25 billion. However, the very next day, US media reported citing informed sources that the stated amount did not include the cost of restoring American military facilities and replacing damaged equipment. According to media reports, the actual costs were almost twice as high.
On Feb 28, the US and Israel began striking targets in Iran, killing over 3,000 people. On April 8, Washington and Tehran declared a two-week ceasefire. Subsequent talks in Islamabad ended inconclusively, with no resumption of hostilities reported, but the US began a blockade of Iranian ports. The ceasefire was extended.
