Trump’s War in Iran
Estimated total cost since Feb 28, 2026 (1:15 AM ET)
$0
That’s an estimated $21,817 every second.
Every single second, we spend enough for about
Congress voted to allow this war
without a single hearing.
No hearings. No testimony. No public accounting.
Demand Hearings NowThese members of Congress voted to authorize military action against Iran, without a single public hearing.
House VoteMar 5, 2026House rejects Iran War Powers Resolution
Senate VoteMar 3, 2026Senate blocks Iran War Powers Resolution from reaching a floor vote
We’re keeping the receipts.
Sources & Methodology
Cost estimate
The per-second rate of $21,817 is derived from a New York Times report that Pentagon officials told Congress the war had cost more than $11.3 billion in the first six days:
$11,300,000,000 ÷ 6 days ÷ 86,400 sec/day = $21,817/sec
This figure comes from a closed-door Pentagon briefing to lawmakers on Capitol Hill on March 11, 2026, reported by three people familiar with the briefing. The counter begins at the operation start time of 1:15 AM ET on February 28, 2026. The Iran Cost Ticker has a detailed breakdown by weapon system and operational phase with valuable sourcing.
Spending equivalencies
Domestic spending comparisons use standard federal figures and national averages:
- • Teacher salary: $72,030/year (NEA, 2025)
- • School lunches: $4.60/meal (SNA/USDA rate, 2025–26)
- • Pell Grants: $7,395 max award (2025–26) (Federal Student Aid)
- • Child healthcare (CHIP): $2,506/year per child (KFF/MACPAC, FY2023)
- • VA healthcare: $15,000/year per veteran (VA budget per enrollee)
- • Head Start: $14,532/year per preschool slot (median) (ASPE, Feb 2026)
- • Affordable housing: $232,000 per unit (HUD Housing Trust Fund avg)
- • ACA subsidy: $7,428/year avg premium tax credit per enrollee ($619/month) (CMS, 2025 Open Enrollment Report)