The Iran war and the cost of killing ‘bad guys’

Pete Hegseth said Thursday that “it takes money to kill bad guys” when asked about reports the Pentagon is seeking up to $200 billion to fund the war with Iran.

The total cost of the conflict—launched on February 28 as part of a US-Israeli campaign—remains unclear and will depend largely on how long it continues. However, early estimates suggest a steep price: the Pentagon’s comptroller has reportedly told lawmakers that the first six days alone cost about $11.3 billion.

Experts say that figure is plausible given the scale of operations. Daniel Schneiderman of Penn Washington noted that extensive use of precision munitions, interceptor systems, high numbers of air sorties, fuel consumption, and the deployment of two carrier strike groups would all contribute to a rapidly rising bill.

Among the most expensive elements are advanced weapons systems and their support infrastructure—such as cruise missiles, THAAD interceptors, aircraft-launched bombs, and the fuel and maintenance required to sustain air and naval operations. Skilled personnel operating these systems also add significantly to costs.

“It’s very expensive to run a war,” Schneiderman said, adding that on a day-to-day basis, the Iran conflict could rank among the costliest US military interventions.

Hegseth indicated that funding requests remain fluid, saying the $200 billion figure “could move” as the Pentagon works with Congress to secure resources for ongoing operations and to replenish depleted ammunition stocks.

Donald Trump also signaled support for substantial spending, citing a “very volatile world” and the need to maintain large reserves of military supplies. “It’s a small price to pay to make sure that we stay tippy top,” he said.

Beyond direct military expenses, the conflict is already having broader economic repercussions. Oil prices have surged after Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy chokepoint, amplifying the overall financial impact of the war.