Top Trump adviser says U.S. has spent $12 billion on Iran War, costs set to rise

2026-03-16 - 08:26

The United States has spent $12 billion on its war against Iran since launching joint strikes with Israel on February 28, according to Kevin Hassett, director of the White House National Economic Council. He revealed the figure during an interview on CBS’s Face the Nation, though he later clarified that it reflects current spending rather than a projected total for the entire conflict. Hassett emphasized that the economic impact on the U.S. remains limited, citing that financial markets are anticipating a swift resolution and lower energy prices, despite domestic concerns over rising fuel costs, reports Al-Jazeera. He added: “America is not going to have its economy harmed by what the Iranians are doing... We have lots and lots of oil.” The cost estimate comes amid growing confusion and criticism regarding the war’s purpose and strategy. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth warned that U.S. bombardment of Iran is “about to surge dramatically,” signaling that costs are likely to increase. Domestic lawmakers have expressed concern over potential mission creep. Following a classified Senate briefing, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer stated he was “truly worried about mission creep,” citing inconsistent explanations from the administration regarding the objectives of the strikes. Similarly, Senator Chris Van Hollen warned that the U.S. had “taken the lid off Pandora’s box without any idea where this will land.” The human toll of the conflict has also mounted: at least 1,444 people have been killed in Iran, while 13 U.S. soldiers have died and over 140 wounded. The fighting has spread to Lebanon, and Gulf countries continue to face repeated drone and missile attacks by Iran. Internationally, countries such as India have begun bypassing Washington to negotiate directly with Tehran to ensure safe passage for oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial chokepoint for global oil supplies.