Trump admin admits that US already blew $11.3 billion on the Iran war in 6 days, but the true financial horror is only just beginning

Officials from President Donald Trump’s administration have estimated that the first six days of the war on Iran had already cost the United States at least $11.3 billion, according to details from a congressional briefing, as reported by Al Jazeera. This staggering figure, shared during a closed-door session for senators, doesn’t even cover the entire cost of the ongoing conflict. Lawmakers have been clamoring for more information about the financial implications as the war continues to unfold.

You can expect the White House to submit a request to Congress for additional funding for the war very soon. Some officials are speculating this request could be around $50 billion, though others feel that estimate might actually be on the low side. The administration hasn’t actually given a public assessment of the war’s cost or even a clear idea of how long they expect it to last.

President Trump, however, made some interesting comments during a trip to Kentucky, claiming that “we won” the war. He then added that the US would still stay in the fight to “finish the job,” which feels a bit contradictory if you ask me. Later that same day, President Trump also suggested the war with Iran might end “soon” because there’s “practically nothing left” for the US military to bomb.

The financial toll is just one piece of this awful puzzle

The US-Israeli war on Iran has tragically killed about 2,000 people so far, with the majority of those being Iranians and Lebanese citizens. The conflict has spread across the Middle East, leading to Iranian retaliatory strikes on neighboring countries that host US assets. This has, unsurprisingly, sent energy prices soaring.

The humanitarian impact is truly devastating. UNICEF, the United Nations children’s agency, reports that the “intensifying conflict” has killed or wounded 1,100 children. They describe the situation as “catastrophic” for millions of children throughout the Middle East. On top of that, relentless Israeli bombardment has already displaced around 800,000 people in Lebanon.

Administration officials also informed lawmakers that an incredible $5.6 billion worth of munitions were used up during just the first two days of strikes. Members of Congress, who are going to have the tough job of approving more funding for this war, have expressed serious concerns. They’re worried that the conflict will deplete US military stocks at a time when the defense industry is already struggling to keep up with demand.

Democratic lawmakers are demanding public testimony under oath from administration officials. They want clear answers on President Trump’s plans for the war, including how long it might last and what his strategy is for Iran once the fighting eventually stops.