$850 Million-A-Day War: Iran Strikes Hit US Wallets Hard

• Operation Epic Fury, the US-led campaign against Iran, costs the Pentagon an estimated $850 million daily in fuel, munitions, and maintenance.
• Hundreds of $2 million Tomahawk missiles launched; Carrier Strike Group deployments add $15 million daily in operational overhead.
• Strait of Hormuz disruptions caused Brent crude prices to jump 18%, leading to a 45-60 cent per gallon spike in US gas prices.
• Iran's "Truthful Promise 4" response forces expensive defense: intercepting a $30,000 drone costs $2-4 million with SM-2 or Patriot missiles.
• Long-term costs include healthcare and veterans' benefits, historically matching combat spending, adding a lasting fiscal shadow.