Iran War Cost Taxpayers Over $30 Billion — And Congress Hasn't Approved a Cent

The Pentagon's Inspector General says the U.S. has spent $33.4 billion on the ongoing conflict with Iran through June. The Congressional Budget Office puts the number higher — $38.1 billion through August — and says costs are climbing $2-3 billion a month. Congress has not appropriated a single dollar for the operation; the money is being pulled from military readiness, training, and maintenance accounts instead. The Center Square's Brett Rowland breaks down what we know, what's still classified (including a $12 billion line item), and why one former Pentagon budget official estimates the true cost — including operations in the Caribbean — could top $67 billion. #IranWar #DefenseSpending #Taxpayers #Congress #Pentagon #NationalSecurity The States is the Center Square's daily news show covering state and local policy, economics, and the stories shaping your community. New episodes weekdays.