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USA Today news
The gist
The Pentagon told Congress the Iran war has cost $43.6 billion as of Sept. 3.
The price tag lands as Trump's approval hits a second-term low.
How it unfolded
- Feb 28, 2026The U.S. and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran, starting a prolonged conflict.
- Sep 3, 2026The war in Iran had cost the U.S. military $43.6 billion as of this date, per an update shared with congressional national security committees by U.S. Central Command.
- Sep 13, 2026Trump told reporters in Ireland the U.S. could "stay in Iran" and "keep the oil," and said the war "will end right after − maybe before − but it'll end right after the midterms." The national average gas price was $4.31, per AAA.