The long-simmering shadow conflict between the United States and Iran has entered a new and direct phase, with Washington launching a large-scale military campaign dubbed “Operation Epic Fury.”
US President Donald Trump confirmed the offensive in a video statement, describing it as a “major combat operation” aimed at preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons and dismantling its missile infrastructure. The Pentagon later identified the mission as Operation Epic Fury.
Massive Military Offensive
According to the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), American forces have struck over 1,250 targets across Iran since the campaign began. The operation includes coordinated airstrikes and sea-launched cruise missiles, with reports claiming the destruction of multiple naval vessels and key defence installations.
Iran has reported at least 555 fatalities across more than 130 locations, according to the Iranian Red Crescent. The conflict reportedly also resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during the initial strikes, though independent confirmation remains limited.
President Trump has indicated the campaign could last four to five weeks or longer.
A $33 Billion Regional Bill
Even before the latest escalation, US military spending in the Middle East had surged dramatically. Data from Brown University’s Costs of War project estimates that Washington had already committed roughly $21.7 billion in military aid to Israel since October 7, 2023.
In addition, between $9.65 billion and $12.07 billion has been spent on direct US operations across Yemen, Iran and the wider region. Combined, US expenditure tied to regional conflicts had already reached between $31.35 billion and $33.77 billion prior to the launch of Operation Epic Fury.
Early projections suggest the new offensive is significantly increasing that figure. Anadolu Agency estimates that the first 24 hours of strikes alone cost approximately $779 million.
Mounting Operational Costs
Beyond munitions, logistical deployment expenses are soaring. Repositioning aircraft and deploying naval assets ahead of the strikes is estimated to have cost an additional $630 million.
The USS Gerald R Ford carrier strike group alone costs about $6.5 million per day to operate, according to the Center for New American Security.
The US has also reported equipment losses, including three fighter jets downed in Kuwait in what has been described as a friendly-fire incident. As the campaign stretches on, cumulative operational costs, hardware attrition and sustained military presence are expected to add significant pressure to US defence spending.
With billions already committed and daily costs mounting, the financial toll of the expanding Middle East conflict is rapidly becoming a central concern alongside its geopolitical consequences.