The U.S. Department of Defense reported a reduction in the country's strategic ammunition reserves due to the war with Iran, estimating the cost of military operations at least $33.4 billion.
Extensive Ammunition Use and Industrial Challenges
According to the Pentagon's Inspector General report, extensive ammunition use during the operation known as "Epic Fury" has significantly depleted strategic reserves. Existing issues in the defense industries have also posed challenges to the replacement of this ammunition. The report mentions serious damages caused by Iranian attacks, stating that these attacks have harmed or destroyed hundreds of U.S. buildings and military facilities in neighboring countries such as Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman, and Jordan.
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Military Participation and Costs
More than 50,000 American soldiers have participated in this war, and Washington has expedited the process of purchasing and producing ammunition and storing vital equipment to compensate for shortages. Of the estimated costs, $22.3 billion is allocated to consumed ammunition, $3.7 billion to equipment damage, and $7.4 billion to other expenses. This figure does not include the cost of repairing damaged facilities.
During this period, American forces have conducted about 5,000 flights from European bases, and the U.S. State Department has also incurred over $200 million in damages in Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
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