Trump asserts sole authority to end Iran war as tab reaches $47 billion
The U.S. conflict cost has surged by $3 billion, with analysts attributing $2,000 in expenses to the average American household.
By Arjun Tanaka ·
President Donald Trump declared that the U.S. war with Iran will conclude only when he chooses, while maintaining that Tehran must be barred from developing nuclear weapons. Speaking at a campaign rally in Lubbock, Texas, the President addressed the timeline of the conflict directly. He stated, "Somebody asked me before, 'When will the war in Iran end?' I said, 'Whenever I want it to end.'"
The President characterized the remaining duration of the conflict as potentially brief, provided the termination is handled correctly. He emphasized the need for a "total statement" ensuring Iran never possesses a nuclear weapon. Trump indicated he is preparing to determine whether to negotiate a deal with Iran or to complete the military campaign.
The conflict has entered a critical phase ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. Trump’s approval rating stands at 32% in a Reuters/Ipsos poll released Monday. This figure is near a record low, driven by rising energy costs and general affordability concerns among voters.
The financial burden of the war has expanded rapidly. U.S. Central Command estimated the total cost at $47 billion on October 16, an increase of $3 billion from previous figures. The majority of this expenditure, $29 million, was allocated to munitions replacements. This spending occurred despite Trump claiming on September 3 that the U.S. held "virtually unlimited" ammunition stocks.
The $47 billion figure excludes $184 million in estimated damage to U.S. diplomatic facilities in Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, according to an inspector general report to Congress. Additionally, Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody's Analytics, calculated on October 12 that the war has cost the average American family $2,000. This amount breaks down into $1,100 from higher energy costs, $540 from increased interest rates, and $360 from military spending.
Military preparations continue alongside the diplomatic uncertainty. U.S. and Israeli forces have drafted plans for a "short but intensive" operation targeting Iran, according to a New York Times report. The U.S. had previously evacuated diplomats from Saudi Arabia earlier in the month. These plans are slated for potential execution following the midterm elections.
Source: CNBC
