Weighing Priorities: What U.S. Spending on the Iran War Could Fund Instead

Screenshot of a Center for American Progress image: “How would you spend $73 billion?” NOTE: Image is only interactive on the Center for American Progress website. Image credit: Center for American Progress. Article by Jamie Friedman, Bobby Kogan and Allison McManus. Center for American Progress – August 24, 2026.

The war in Iran has been a strategic failure. It has been successful only in raising costs on everything from groceries to gas; providing massive windfall profits to big corporations, including the oil and gas industry; and strengthening China’s global standing. The Trump administration has spent at least $37.5 billion—and potentially well over $100 billion—on the war but has failed to accomplish any of its stated objectives as the war approaches its six-month mark. […]

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