White House Says US War in Iran Has Cost $12 Billion

7 hours ago 5

March 17, 2026 | 07:52 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The White House said U.S. military operations against Iran have so far cost about US$12 billion (around Rp203.8 trillion), as the administration moves to reassure the public over the rising financial burden of the war.

The figure was disclosed by Kevin Hassett, director of the White House National Economic Council, in an interview with CBS News. Hassett said the estimate reflects the amount spent since the United States joined Israel in launching military strikes on Iran.

“The 12 billion was what I was briefed has been spent so far,” Hassett said. He added that the total cost is likely to rise further as the operation is expected to continue for several more weeks.

Operation Could Last Weeks

According to Middle East Monitor, Pentagon officials have estimated that the military campaign could last four to six weeks. Hassett acknowledged that the operation has already stretched beyond its initial timeline.

Separately, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the war will “ certainly come to an end in the next few weeks.”

Earlier estimates from the Pentagon suggested the war had already cost more than US$11.3 billion in just the first six days, underscoring the speed at which the campaign is consuming military resources. That estimate, presented to lawmakers in a closed-door briefing, reportedly did not include several related costs, including the military buildup before the initial strikes.

White House Says Economic Impact Is Manageable

Despite the rising cost, the White House has insisted that the conflict will not significantly strain the U.S. economy or require immediate emergency funding from Congress.

Hassett said the administration does not currently plan to seek additional funding, arguing that existing military stockpiles remain sufficient to sustain the operation for now.

He also said the government is trying to reduce supply-chain risks linked to the conflict. According to Hassett, Washington is expanding energy-related operating permissions involving Venezuela and securing fertilizer supplies from Morocco and Venezuela to shield U.S. farmers from disruptions.

In addition, the administration is widening access for foreign vessels to transport jet fuel from the U.S. Gulf Coast to the West Coast, as officials seek to prevent shortages caused by disruptions to Asian supply routes.

Responding to warnings from Iran about the conflict’s broader economic fallout, Hassett argued that the United States is in a much stronger position than during the 1970s energy crisis, noting that the country is now a major oil producer.

War Toll Continues to Rise

The joint U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran began on February 28. Middle East Monitor reported that around 1,200 people had been killed since the start of the offensive, including Iran’s top leader Ali Khamenei. The report also said 14 U.S. military personnel had been killed.

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