The Pentagon has told lawmakers it needs roughly $80 billion from Congress to cover costs of the U.S. war against Iran, part of a broader defense funding effort that faces skeptical lawmakers and questions about tying war spending to a larger spending package.
The Intercept reports that the Trump administration’s war with Iran is far costlier than official Pentagon tallies suggest, with officials estimating $1–2 billion spent daily and a possible quarter-trillion within weeks, while long-term costs could reach trillions due to asset buildups, munitions, veterans’ benefits, and interest on debt—meaning taxpayers may be paying for generations without a clear exit plan.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran is causing significant economic strain on both nations, with Israel facing record military expenses and potential credit rating downgrades, while Iran's oil exports and domestic economy are severely impacted by sanctions and recent strikes, raising concerns about their long-term economic stability.
The financial toll of Israel's war in Gaza is significant, with estimates of the war costing the government around $18 billion, or $220 million a day. The Israeli economy is facing a downturn, with GDP growth projections falling from 3% to 1%, and sectors like high-tech, which employs many reservists now fighting, are particularly affected. The war has also caused a halt in tourism, construction, and exports, and has displaced 1.8 million people in Gaza. U.S. aid remains crucial for Israel, with a proposed $14 billion aid package being discussed. The overall resilience of the Israeli economy is being tested as the conflict continues, with potential long-term impacts on economic stability and growth.
Russia is planning a significant increase in defense spending next year, with the budget set to reach 6% of GDP, up from 3.9% in 2023 and 2.7% in 2021, according to Bloomberg News. The rising costs of the war in Ukraine have strained Moscow's finances, leading to a deficit of around $24 billion. The government is expected to discuss draft budget proposals on Friday.