Pentagon tells Congress Iran operations have cost $43.6B: Reports

The US Department of Defense told congressional defense committees that military operations against Iran had cost an estimated $43.6 billion through Sept. 3, according to media reports Friday.

Citing a new assessment from US Central Command (CENTCOM) reviewed by congressional officials, the reports indicated a significant increase from the Pentagon’s previous public estimate of $37.5 billion.

According to the CENTCOM assessment, the total includes $11.2 billion in incremental operational costs already obligated by the Pentagon, an estimated $28.1 billion to replace munitions used during the conflict and $4.3 billion to replace military equipment lost in operations.

READ: Trump says Iran seeking deal as US considers next move

The new cost estimate comes as questions have also emerged over the human toll of the conflict. Nineteen US service members have been killed and more than 750 wounded since the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran on Feb. 28, according to the Pentagon.

The Washington Post reported Friday, however, that the actual number of US military deaths may be higher, citing six officials familiar with the figures.

Five of the officials said at least 22 US service members had been killed, according to the report. A sixth official, who like the others spoke on condition of anonymity, put the death toll at 23 since Feb. 28, the Post reported.

READ: US warns allies of weapons delivery delays due to stocks depleted by Iran war: Report