A new Pentagon Inspector General Report revealed that Operation Epic Fury cost an estimated $33.4 billion between February 28 and June 30, 2026, leading to critical munitions shortages.
“Operation Epic Fury (OEF) was launched by U.S. forces on February 28, 2026, as a joint U.S.-Israeli campaign against Iran. The operation was carried out through coordinated air, land, sea, cyber, and space capabilities,” the report maintained.
“Before the operation began, the United States had already strengthened its military presence and regional partnerships. Thousands of service members, fighter aircraft, refueling tankers, aircraft carriers, supplies, and intelligence assets were moved into the region. During the major combat phase from February 28 to April 7, U.S. forces reportedly struck about 13,500 targets and conducted approximately 36,000 combat sorties and more than 1,800 fire missions. Targets included missile bases, air defenses, command centers, naval facilities, weapons-storage sites, and parts of Iran’s defense industry.”
The Strait of Hormuz became a major focus of the operation because of its importance to international shipping and energy supplies, the Pentagon report added.
“A ceasefire with Iran was announced on April 7 in order to create an opportunity for negotiations, although U.S. forces remained prepared to resume combat. Diplomatic efforts continued with the involvement of Pakistan and other regional actors. On June 17, the United States and Iran signed the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, with Pakistan acting as mediator. The agreement included arrangements for safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and proposed an initial 60-day period for negotiations on a final agreement.”
“The operation required a very large U.S. military deployment. More than 50,000 U.S. service members were deployed throughout the U.S. Central Command area. At the height of the conflict, the force included numerous fighter squadrons, destroyers, air-defense batteries, THAAD missile-defense systems, HIMARS, and part of the 82nd Airborne Division. Two carrier strike groups and two Marine Expeditionary Units also supported the operation,” the report added.
The Pentagon report indicated, “The United States also worked closely with ‘Israel’ and other regional partners. American Patriot and THAAD systems operated alongside Israeli Arrow, David’s Sling, and Iron Dome systems. Gulf countries strengthened their own air defenses with U.S. military sales, training, and information-sharing.”
“The conflict caused significant damage to U.S. military facilities and equipment. Iranian attacks damaged or destroyed hundreds of buildings and structures at U.S. bases in several Middle Eastern countries. Dozens of U.S. aircraft were also damaged or destroyed, including fighter aircraft, refueling aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned systems. These losses increased the financial and logistical burden of sustaining the operation and replacing damaged equipment.”
“The estimated cost of Operation Epic Fury reached $33.4 billion as of June 29. This figure included $7.4 billion in additional operational obligations, $22.3 billion for expended munitions, and $3.7 billion for equipment losses. However, the estimate did not include infrastructure-repair costs or some broader economic effects. The difficulty of calculating the full cost was partly due to the fact that Congress had not provided a specific FY2026 appropriation for OEF.”
“The conflict also affected U.S. diplomatic operations throughout the region. Iranian strikes damaged U.S. diplomatic facilities in Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, with estimated damage of about $184 million. Approximately 3,500 diplomatic personnel were at some point on authorized or ordered departure or outside their posts. Several facilities, including U.S. diplomatic missions in Baghdad and Beirut, temporarily closed or suspended operations.”
“Protecting and evacuating American citizens became another major U.S. government responsibility,” the Pentagon report noted.
Source: Al-Manar English Website