The inspection report from the U.S. Department of Defense regarding Operation 'Epic Fury', which began on February 28, 2025, provides an accurate picture of the military, financial, and diplomatic dimensions of this war. According to the report, the main objective of this operation was to attack the nuclear and military facilities of the Islamic Republic and to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Details of the Operation and Costs
In the first phase of this war, until April 6, 2026, approximately 13,500 targets were attacked, with nearly 36,000 combat sorties and over 1,800 fire missions conducted. Additionally, more than 50,000 U.S. military personnel were deployed in the region. The total cost of this operation is estimated at $33.4 billion by July 27, 2026, which includes $7.4 billion in incremental costs, $22.3 billion in munitions used, and $3.7 billion in lost equipment.
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The U.S. Department of State has also reported that by May 31, 2026, the Iran war had cost $113 million. These costs include expenses related to the evacuation of State Department personnel and their family members. The war has also resulted in significant casualties and damages for U.S. forces, including the deaths and injuries of military personnel.
Casualties and Military Challenges
From February 28 to July 9, 2026, seven U.S. soldiers were killed in combat operations and seven in non-hostile incidents, with 417 soldiers injured. Additionally, attacks by the Islamic Republic on U.S. bases in the region have caused extensive damage to American infrastructure and equipment. According to the report, dozens of U.S. aircraft have also been damaged or destroyed.
In the diplomatic arena, the U.S. and the Islamic Republic reached a ceasefire on April 17, but negotiations on remaining issues hit a deadlock, and hostilities continued. Concurrently with this operation, the 'Economic Fury' campaign was also launched to target the Islamic Republic's oil revenues and arms supply networks.
To counter threats, the U.S. blockaded Iranian ports starting April 12, 2026, and returned over 140 ships by June 18. During this period, mine-clearing operations and protection of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz continued.
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