The Congressional Budget Office says the Iran war has cost the Defense Department an average of $246 million per day in its first five months, totaling $38.1 billion through Aug. 1.
Key facts
- The war has cost an average of $246 million per day in its first five months.
- The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) produced the estimate.
- Total Defense Department cost reached $38.1 billion through Aug. 1.
- The figures were reported by CNBC on Sept. 15, 2026.
The Iran war has cost the Defense Department an average of $246 million per day during its first five months, according to a Congressional Budget Office analysis reported by CNBC.
The CBO calculated the Defense Department’s total Iran war cost through Aug. 1 at $38.1 billion, CNBC reported.
The daily average of $246 million reflects spending over the conflict’s opening five-month period, based on the CBO’s figures.
The Congressional Budget Office is the nonpartisan federal agency that provides budget and economic analysis to Congress, giving lawmakers an independent accounting of the cost of the conflict.
CNBC published the CBO findings on Sept. 15, 2026. Beyond the topline cost figures, further details were not provided in the source.
Why it matters
The cost of military conflicts shapes federal budget debates and the resources available for other national priorities. An independent CBO estimate gives lawmakers and the public a benchmark for weighing the financial toll of the Iran war as it continues.
Frequently asked questions
How much has the Iran war cost so far?
According to the CBO, the Defense Department's Iran war cost reached $38.1 billion through Aug. 1, averaging $246 million per day over the first five months.
Who produced the cost estimate?
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) produced the estimate, as reported by CNBC on Sept. 15, 2026.
What period does the $38.1 billion figure cover?
The figure covers the Defense Department's costs through Aug. 1, spanning the war's first five months.