The administration of Donald Trump estimates that the first six days of the war against Iran cost the United States at least $11.3 billion, according to a source familiar with a recent congressional briefing.
The estimate was shared with lawmakers during a closed-door session for senators on Tuesday, as members of Congress continue pressing the administration for more details about the conflict.
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Officials stressed that the figure represents only an early estimate and does not reflect the full cost of the war so far.
The number was first reported by The New York Times.
Congressional aides said the White House is expected to request additional funding soon. Some officials have suggested the request could reach $50 billion, though others believe even that figure may underestimate the potential costs.
So far, the administration has not released a public estimate of the total expense or a clear timeline for how long the conflict might continue.
Speaking during a trip to Kentucky on Wednesday, Trump said the United States had already achieved major success in the war.
“We won,” he said, while adding that American forces would remain involved until the mission is fully completed.
The military campaign began on February 28 with coordinated airstrikes carried out by the United States and Israel against targets inside Iran.
Since then, the conflict has expanded into neighboring Lebanon and has significantly disrupted global energy markets and shipping routes.
The fighting has reportedly killed around 2,000 people, the majority of them in Iran and Lebanon.
During briefings to lawmakers, administration officials said $5.6 billion worth of munitions were used in the first two days of strikes alone.
Members of Congress have expressed concern that the rapid pace of operations could significantly drain U.S. military stockpiles.
These concerns come at a time when the American defense industry is already struggling to meet high global demand for weapons and equipment.
To address supply issues, Trump recently met with executives from seven major defense contractors as the U.S. Department of Defense works to replenish depleted stockpiles.
Meanwhile, Democratic lawmakers are demanding greater transparency from the administration.
Several have called for senior officials to testify publicly under oath about the strategy behind the war, including how long the conflict might last and what plans exist for Iran once fighting ends.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now · Source · 11.03 2026
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