U.S. spends $3.7B in first 100 hours of Iran campaign

The United States‍‍`s military campaign against Iran cost an estimated $3.7 billion in its first 100 hours, according to new research by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).
The analysis was done by researchers Mark Cancian and Chris Park, who estimated that the conflict has cost Washington around $891.4 million per day so far.
The high costs are mainly due to heavy munitions use and advanced systems like stealth bombers.

Munitions use driving up costs
The report noted that US forces used over 2,000 munitions in the first 100 hours of the conflict.
Replacing these weapons on a one-to-one basis would cost around $3.1 billion, with costs increasing by about $758.1 million daily, the research said.
The researchers based their calculations on estimates from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) for operating and support costs of US military units, adjusted for inflation and unit size.

Unbudgeted expenses could create political issues for Trump administration
The report also revealed that around $3.5 billion of the $3.7 billion spent in the first 100 hours was unbudgeted.
This could lead to political complications for President Donald Trump‍‍`s administration, as it may need to seek additional funds from Congress.
The report said, "That means that the

will need additional funds at some point because the level of budget cuts needed to fund this conflict internally would likely be politically and operationally difficult."

Defense secretary hints at possible escalation in military campaign
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has hinted that the scale of the military campaign could increase further.
He said that the US bombardment of Iran is "about to surge dramatically," with plans for "more fighter squadrons ... more defensive capabilities" and "more bomber pulses more frequently."
The report also noted that while air campaigns usually slow down after initial intense operations, "nevertheless, the unbudgeted costs here will be substantial."

Funding request to Congress could complicate matters
According to Al Jazeera, the scale of spending probably came as a shock to Congress and the public.
The Pentagon has reportedly prepared a $50 billion supplemental funding request for replenishing missiles and interceptors used in the conflict.
Lawmakers are concerned about how another $50 billion request could impact the federal budget deficit and rising interest burden on US government debt.

Conflict taking heavy toll on human lives
The conflict has also taken a heavy toll on human lives. The Iranian Red Crescent reported over 1,332 deaths in Iran since US and Israeli strikes began last Saturday.
UNICEF estimates at least 181 children are among the dead.
In Lebanon, Israeli strikes have killed at least 123 people, according to the health ministry there.
Six US servicemen have died along with 11 people in Israel and nine in Gulf Arab countries.