US Reveals Spending of Rp500 Trillion in War Against Iran

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, WASHINGTON – Deputy Secretary of Defense and Chief Financial Officer Jules W. Hurst III on Tuesday (12/5/2026) revealed that the United States Government has spent almost 29 billion dollars on military operations against Iran. That amount is equivalent to approximately Rp507 trillion at an exchange rate of 17,500 per US dollar. “In the previous testimony, the amount was 25 billion US dollars. However, the joint staff and budget oversight team continue to update that estimate, and now we estimate it is approaching 29 billion US dollars. This is due to the costs of repairs and replacement of equipment, as well as general operational costs to keep troops in the field,” Hurst said during the hearing of the US House Defense Budget Committee. The conflict between the US and Iran erupted on 28 February, when Washington, together with Israel, launched airstrikes against targets in Iran, causing significant damage and civilian casualties. Iran then carried out retaliatory strikes, triggering an escalation that nearly halted traffic in the Strait of Hormuz — a vital route for global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. As a result, energy prices have surged sharply, adding pressure to the global economy. Since then, the Trump administration has expanded military operations on the grounds of maintaining regional security and curbing Iran’s capabilities. Washington also asserts that the operations aim to weaken Tehran’s military and economic capacities. Hurst emphasised that the operational costs continue to rise as the conflict prolongs. The US Government now faces major fiscal challenges, while Congress demands transparency regarding the use of the defence budget.