March 3, 2026 - Download PDF Version

On February 28, 2026, the United States launched military operations in Iran after weeks of preparation. U.S. actions in Iran risk catastrophic consequences for Iran, the region, and the United States. Civilian deaths are mounting, and the U.S. has already lost troops and aircraft. The risk of wider war is grave.

Meanwhile, Congress has not authorized the current military operations. And the costs of these operations are rising quickly during a time when Americans are struggling to afford basic needs.

This fact sheet offers an initial point-in-time estimate of the operation and support costs of major military equipment – aircraft and naval assets – deployed to the region in recent weeks.  

Deployed systems include two aircraft carrier strike groups and related naval support, as well as more than 200 military aircraft. We also include a ten percent increase over the normal operating costs for these systems to account for the heightened pace of combat operations.

Daily operations in and around Iran for these major military systems are costing taxpayers an estimated $59.39 million per day. 

That $59.39 million a day could instead cover the daily costs of Medicaid for more than four million Americans, or SNAP (food stamps) for more than 9.5 million Americans. Both programs were subject to significant cuts under last year’s H.R. 1, with millions of Americans at risk of going hungry and without healthcare as a result.

About the numbers

This estimate does not include operating costs for all military assets previously in the region; troop deployments except those required to staff the included assets; munitions; or the original procurement or development costs of the ships or aircraft deployed in the region. Including these figures would raise the total considerably.

The situation in Iran is changing quickly. This estimate represents the best available information, largely from media reports, at a particular point in time. The daily costs cited here could change as a result of escalation, deescalation, or other factors. As more information becomes available, we expect to update these figures.

The death toll and the costs continue to rise. And the Pentagon is spending massively for an unauthorized war of choice while Americans struggle to afford basic necessities. 

Sources

Cost estimates are from the Congressional Budget Office. Assets were identified from a variety of media sources.

Bilmes, Linda J. Costs of United States Military Activities in the Wider Middle East Since October 7, 2023. Oct. 7, 2025.

Congressional Budget Office (CBO), The U.S. Military’s Force Structure: Fiscal Year 2025 Update to Personnel Numbers and Costs.

Gordon, Chris. Air & Space Forces. Pentagon Sends More F-15s to Middle East as Trump Weighs Action Against Iran. Jan. 20, 2026.

Gordon, Chris. Air & Space Forces. US Amasses More Airpower in Middle East with Dozens of Fighters. Feb. 17, 2026.

Gordon, Chris. Air & Space Forces. 3 Americans Killed in Operation Against Iran as US Strikes with B-2 Bombers. March 1, 2026.

Hill, John. Airforce Technology. US monitor Persian Gulf after considerable military build-up. February 9, 2026.

Hilotin, Jay. Gulf News. US-Iran tensions: Military cargo planes, refuelling tankers deployed to Middle East. Feb. 20, 2026.

Kelly, Meg, and Piper, Imogen. The Washington Post. Over 150 U.S. aircraft sweep into Europe, Middle East as Trump mulls strikes. February 24, 2026.

Koettl, C., Schmitt, E., Cai, A., Mellen, R., and Wood, D. The New York Times. Where the U.S. Is Building Up Military Force Near Iran. Jan. 29, 2026.

Politics Today. 300 US Military Aircrafts Deployed to CENTCOM. Feb. 25, 2026.

Trevithick, Joseph. TWZ. Israel’s Fighter Force Stands To Be Far More Effective With Full USAF Tanker Support In A War With Iran. Feb. 27, 2026.

U.S. Naval Institute Staff. USNI News Fleet and Marine Tracker: March 2, 2026.

 

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