$38 Billion War Against Iran Fuels Inflation and Depletes US Weaponry

The US Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has released an assessment warning that the war against Iran could fuel inflation and deplete key weapons stockpiles, constraining Washington's ability to respond to another major confrontation.

The direct costs of the aggression launched by the United States and Israel on February 28 have already reached at least $38 billion through the end of July, with an estimated $2-3 billion expected to be spent each month on munitions alone.

The CBO warns that the shortfall in US inventories of missiles and air-defense weapons could become particularly serious due to Iran's possession of a significant number of missiles. The agency also notes that rebuilding depleted weapons stocks could take five years or longer, citing the limited inventory of missile defense interceptors produced at relatively low rates.

The CBO estimates that the war could add roughly half a percentage point to the US inflation rate early next year, largely due to higher energy prices resulting from supply disruptions. Rep. Mark Takano commented, 'Counting munitions expended while leaving veterans' care and benefits is not a real war-cost analysis. It is a bill sent to veterans and taxpayers later.' The eventual cost of the war is expected to exceed the current $38 billion estimate.