Trump admin spends about $5.6bln on munitions in first days of US–Iran tension

WASHINGTON: The US Trump administration spent roughly $5.6 billion on munitions during the first two days of military strikes against Iran, according to a report shared with congressional committees, a source familiar with the information said Tuesday.

The figure highlights the enormous cost of the early stage of the conflict, which began on February 28 in coordination with ally Israel. Lawmakers are now expressing concern about how quickly US military stocks are being used up, especially at a time when the defence industry is struggling to keep up with demand.

President Trump met with executives from seven defence contractors last Friday to discuss the Pentagon’s urgent efforts to replenish supplies.

So far, the administration has not provided a public estimate of the total cost of the conflict, leaving members of Congress and the American public with limited information. Democrats in Congress, in particular, have pressed for briefings and public testimony on issues ranging from military readiness to the long-term implications of the operation.

During a Senate address on Tuesday, Senator Chuck Schumer (D‑New York) called for greater transparency. “When it comes to sending our servicemembers into harm’s way, the American people need to understand why. But right now, they don’t even have a ‘why.’ That needs to change,” he said.

Several congressional aides expect the White House to request additional funding for the conflict soon. Estimates vary: some officials anticipate a request of around $50 billion, while others believe the figure could be higher.

This early spending, $5.6 billion in just two days, underscores the scale and speed of the US military response, as well as the potential financial and logistical pressures on the Pentagon as the situation unfolds.