Methodology & sources
Every active-conflict figure and the formula behind the ZIP lookup, with sources.
Active-conflict figures are re-verified weekly against primary sources; each figure shows the date it is current through.
Per-capita contribution formula
The zip-code contribution figure is computed as:
per_capita_defense = (zip_income_tax / national_income_tax) × dod_budget / zip_population
This measures what a community pays toward defense via income taxes — not what is spent in that community. Wealthier zip codes show higher per-capita contributions because they contribute more income tax. This is intentional: it reflects actual tax burden, not geographic allocation of military spending.
Data sources: IRS Statistics of Income (zip-level income tax), Census Bureau (zip/ZCTA population), DoD budget totals (Treasury Monthly Treasury Statement outlays for the historical ZIP drill-down; the enacted appropriation, P.L. 119-75, for the live headline). The IRS releases ZIP-level data roughly three to four years late; budget figures are current-year enacted.
Other data
Opportunity-cost unit prices (what the community total could have funded), with vintage:
- Teacher salary — $66,397 per year (NEA 2022-23 average)
- School lunches — $874 per student per year (USDA NSLP estimate)
- In-state public university tuition — $10,940 per year (College Board 2022-23)
- Section 8 housing voucher — $11,088 per family per year (HUD average)
- Registered nurse salary — $81,220 per year (BLS 2022 median)
Casualty data: Defense Casualty Analysis System (DCAS), Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC/OSD), retrieved 2026-06-30. Home of record is the state the service member listed at enlistment — not necessarily where they lived, were stationed, or were killed. Deaths count hostile + non-hostile (combat, accident, illness in theater); wounded counts hostile wounded-in-action only, so the two figures are not directly comparable.
On the gap between paying and dying: wealthier ZIP codes contribute more income tax — and therefore show a larger defense-dollar share. But casualty burden by home of record does not follow the same distribution. These figures measure two different kinds of cost: the dollar figure is what a community paid toward the military budget; the casualty figure is what its state’s service members gave.
National total (all geographies incl. territories): approx. 7,084 deaths / 50,385 wounded. Per-state figures cover only the 50 states + DC (6,967 / 49,047 in total); the remainder are not attributable to a single state.
Inflation adjustment: BLS CPI-U, 2021/2022 annual averages to May 2026.
Population: Census Population Estimates Program (PEP), Vintage 2025.
Daily-cost comparison basis: CRS RS22926, Iraq (OIF) appropriations FY2003–FY2010, converted to 2026 dollars via BLS CPI-U through May 2026. Current-war daily rates are computed as cost ÷ elapsed days through each figure’s as-of date — not days to today, since the cost range itself does not grow with the day counter. The Iraq average is a floor: the CRS total omits the FY2011–12 tail.
Ukraine is not shown: the US is not a combatant, and current US-appropriated military aid (~$400M/yr, FY2026 USAI) is under 1% of any war’s daily rate — most US weapons now flowing to Ukraine are purchased by NATO allies and Ukraine, not by US taxpayers.
US-Iran War — Operation Epic Fury
Data compiled as of August 24, 2026. Numbers change daily in active conflicts.
Conflict status & latest events
- CNN (live)— US-Iran war live (Aug 17 2026): the deadline to reach a US-Iran deal expires; Trump threatens Oman as the 60-day MoU negotiation period ends without an agreement. Resolves the expired-deadline status.
- Al Jazeera— Trump demands Iran 'put up the white flag' of surrender as the MoU expires (Aug 17 2026): Trump threatens Oman over the Strait of Hormuz, refuses to extend the memorandum of understanding. Basis for the hardened stance and expired deadline.
- CBS News— Trump threatens to bomb Oman with Iran war stuck in stalemate as the 60-day negotiation period ends (Aug 17 2026): corroborates the deadline expiry, Trump's Oman threat and the stalemate framing.
- Washington Post— Trump threatens to bomb Oman if it 'gets in the way' (Aug 17 2026): 'If Oman gets in the way, we'll bomb the shit out of them' (Fox News interview). Named-source confirmation of the Oman threat.
- Bloomberg— US-Iran peace prospects dim as Trump rejects a truce extension (Aug 17 2026): Trump will not extend the June memorandum of understanding. Corroborates the collapsed diplomacy.
- Al Jazeera— US-Iran memorandum of understanding expires: how and why it fell apart (Aug 17 2026): the June truce mired with infringements, Iran rejected how ships transit Hormuz, then began targeting vessels; US answered with intensive strikes. Context.
- CNBC— Trump won't extend Iran ceasefire, threatens to bomb Oman if it gets in the way (Aug 17 2026): the truce expires with the war stuck in stalemate over Hormuz. Corroborates.
- CNN (live)— US-Iran war live (Aug 18 2026): Trump says no talks are underway or scheduled with Iran (denying a reported IRGC back channel; Iran also denies talks); the UAE says it detected two ballistic missiles launched toward it from Iran. Basis for the post-deadline status.
- CNN (live)— US-Iran war live (Aug 20 2026): the US imposes new sanctions on Hezbollah, threatens 'toughest sanctions in history' economic pressure on Iran. Documents the pivot to economic pressure.
- One America News Network (CENTCOM)— CENTCOM: 67 vessels redirected, 3 disabled as the US naval blockade on Iranian ports continues (Aug 20 2026): also 2 vessels boarded; 20+ warships supporting the blockade. Basis for the raised blockade tally (44 -> ~68).
- ANI News (CENTCOM)— US forces redirect 68 commercial vessels, disable 3, board 2 amid Iran blockade: CENTCOM (Aug 22 2026): corroborates the ~68/3/2 counts.
- Middle East Eye (CENTCOM)— CENTCOM says 68 vessels redirected so far in the Iran naval blockade (Aug 2026): live-blog corroboration of the ~68-vessel count.
- USNI News— Carrier USS George Washington Now in the Middle East (Aug 20 2026): the GW CSG arrived in the CENTCOM AOR Aug 19 and transited the Arabian Sea Aug 20 to relieve the USS Abraham Lincoln, joining USS George H.W. Bush + Boxer ARG + 11th MEU (USNI Fleet Tracker).
- Washington Post— New aircraft carrier arrives in Arabian Sea to replace the long-stationed USS Abraham Lincoln (Aug 20 2026): USS George Washington relieves the Lincoln, deployed ~260-268 days incl. 240+ consecutive at sea with severely restricted port access.
- Al Jazeera— USS Washington arrives in the Middle East after aircraft carrier outcry (Aug 20 2026): corroborates the George Washington's arrival and the Lincoln relief.
- Marine Insight— US Navy aircraft carrier George Washington reaches the Arabian Sea as USS Lincoln's 250-day deployment ends (Aug 2026): corroborates the carrier swap timing.
- AP (via ClickOrlando)— After killing hundreds in boat strikes, the US military expands its campaign on land in Latin America (Aug 17 2026): US has killed 200+ in 60+ boat strikes; sustained US ground combat 'would be new and different.' New-conflict scan input; not yet a discrete new US war -- watchlist.
- CNN (live)— US-Iran war live (Aug 15 2026): shipping faces more disruptions in the Middle East -- only ~151 ships transited the Strait of Hormuz in the past seven days (far below pre-war levels); Iran-backed Houthi attacks forced Yemen's Mokha port to suspend operations. Resolves the latest status.
- CNBC— Iran rebuffs Trump's claim over the Strait of Hormuz amid a report of another ship being struck (Aug 15 2026): a UAE state-oil-company-affiliated tanker was attacked in the strait Friday night (Aug 14); the UAE blamed Iran. Confirms the renewed maritime friction.
- Al Jazeera (live)— Iran war live (Aug 14 2026): the US eyes an indefinite naval blockade of Iran; Trump says he will declare the Strait of Hormuz US territory 'pretty soon' after the war. Iran's Dep FM Gharibabadi insists the strait 'will remain Iranian.' Confirms the blockade escalation.
- CNN (live)— US-Iran war live (Aug 14 2026): a carrier strike group is headed to the Middle East to replace the USS Abraham Lincoln, a US official says. Basis for the planned Lincoln relief; the Lincoln is still on station as the replacement transits.
- CNN (live)— US-Iran war live (Aug 12 2026): Trump insists the US controls the Strait of Hormuz; Iran says it could 'prolong' the war with the US. Establishes the hardened Hormuz standoff and that the war is not over.
- USNI News (Fleet & Marine Tracker)— Fleet & Marine Tracker Aug 10 2026: the USS Abraham Lincoln and USS George H.W. Bush carrier strike groups are on station in the northern Arabian Sea supporting Operation Epic Fury; no carrier in the Caribbean. Freshest confirmation of the two-CSG presence.
- The War Zone (TWZ)— Where Are The Aircraft Carriers: Aug 11 2026 -- both US carriers (Abraham Lincoln, George H.W. Bush) are on station in the northern Arabian Sea; the Lincoln is approaching nine months deployed. Corroborates the carrier presence ahead of the George Washington relief.
- Stars and Stripes— USS George Washington headed to the Middle East to relieve the USS Abraham Lincoln (Aug 13 2026): the Washington CSG finished a Vietnam port visit ~Aug 5 and is transiting to relieve the Lincoln, deployed ~9 months / 250+ days amid troop-welfare concerns. A planned relief, not a drawdown.
- NPR— Pentagon replaces the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Middle East following a historic deployment (Aug 15 2026): the George Washington will relieve the Lincoln after ~250 consecutive-at-sea days; corroborates the carrier swap and the Lincoln's welfare concerns.
- CNN (live)— US-Iran war live (Aug 5 2026): Houthis claim to attack a Saudi oil tanker; Trump says Hormuz reopening 'soon.' Documents the continuing Houthi Red Sea front IN the Iran war (basis for the new-conflict scan -- not a discrete new US campaign).
- CNN (live)— US-Iran war live (Aug 9 2026): Trump says the US is 'only semi-negotiating' and 'low-keying' talks, leaning on economic pressure; Iran demands an end to the US naval blockade to reopen Hormuz; the Pentagon presses defense firms to boost weapons production. Resolves the stalled-talks status.
- Al Jazeera (live)— Iran war live (Aug 9 2026): Tehran demands an end to the US naval blockade to reopen the Strait of Hormuz; Oman-mediated Hormuz talks continue while Iran maintains it has no direct US negotiations. Confirms the blockade stays active and direct talks have not resumed.
- Al Jazeera (live)— Iran war live (Aug 4 2026): Tehran denies direct US talks and says Oman-mediated Hormuz talks are advancing 'positively' while Trump warns of a 'last chance' for a deal. Resolves that the 'Monday' direct talks did not materialize.
- USNI News (Fleet & Marine Tracker)— Fleet & Marine Tracker Aug 3 2026: USS Abraham Lincoln and USS George H.W. Bush carrier strike groups plus the USS Boxer ARG (Boxer, Comstock, Portland + 11th MEU) in the Arabian Sea supporting Operation Epic Fury; no carrier in the Caribbean. Confirms the two-CSG presence.
- Al Jazeera— Trump says a new round of Iran talks will begin Monday (Aug 2 2026): after calling off a planned strike the night before at the urging of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar and Iran, Trump says direct talks start Monday (Aug 3) and a deal is 'imminent,' no deadline set.
- CNBC— Trump says Iran talks to resume Monday after calling off planned strikes (Aug 3 2026): confirms the Aug 1 night call-off and the Monday (Aug 3) start; nuclear issues set aside while mediators keep both sides talking.
- Bloomberg— Trump says Iran talks to begin Monday after scrapping an attack (Aug 2 2026): corroborates the called-off strike and the Monday negotiation start.
- Al Jazeera (live)— Iran war live (Aug 2 2026): Tehran warns of a 'decisive response' to any US aggression; FM Araghchi says Iran-Oman Hormuz talks are near 'final stages'; Iran maintains it has no direct negotiations with the United States. Not a ceasefire.
- CNN— US-Iran war live (Aug 1 2026): the State Department warns US citizens across the Middle East as fears of a wider war rise; Trump weighs further strikes before agreeing to hold off.
- Al Jazeera— US launches a 'heavy wave' of new attacks on Iran (Jul 30 2026): after a five-night pause and Iran's intercepted Jul 29 missile attack on Jordan, US forces struck dozens of IRGC targets and military command centers; the IRGC pledged to 'punish the aggressor.'
- CNBC— Iran says it will 'punish the aggressor today' after a 'heavy wave' of US strikes (Jul 30 2026): CENTCOM says US forces successfully completed the strikes on dozens of IRGC targets in retaliation for Iran's attack on US forces in Jordan.
- Al Jazeera (live)— Iran war live (Jul 30 2026): Tehran says the US will 'pay the price' for civilians killed in strikes on Qeshm Island; Iranian media report a couple and their 2-year-old child killed in the Chah Tangu area during the US 'heavy wave.'
- IranWire— Iran fires ballistic missiles at a US base in Jordan; CENTCOM says all intercepted (Jul 28-29 2026): the IRGC claimed the strike on Muwaffaq Salti air base; Jordan's air defenses downed 5 missiles; no US deaths reported. Resolves 'no new US KIA' in the renewed fighting.
- Axios— Iran launches missiles toward a US base in Jordan, an American official says (Jul 28 2026): the opening of the late-July re-escalation after the pause.
- CNN (live)— Trump says it's 'our turn' after an intercepted Iranian attack; US completes Iran strikes (Jul 29 2026): Trump vows to hit Iran 'very hard' following the Jordan missile attack.
- Al Jazeera— US and Saudi Arabia strike Iran-backed groups in Iraq (Jul 28-29 2026): CENTCOM says US and Saudi aircraft hit multiple militia logistics/weapons sites across eastern Iraq after 30+ IRGC-directed drone attacks in 72 hours; Iraq's PMF says at least 20 killed, 32 wounded. New front IN the Iran war.
- Foreign Policy— US-Saudi strikes on Iraqi militias add a new front to the Iran war (Jul 29 2026): frames the Iraq PMF strikes and the Houthi Bab el-Mandeb blockade as expanding fronts of the same war, not a discrete new US campaign. Basis for the new-conflict scan.
- CNBC— US-Iran war pauses to give peace talks 'space' (Jul 27 2026): the US held off after 13 nights of strikes; Iran said it had no current negotiations with the US, only Oman-mediated Hormuz talks. Bridges the Jul 25-27 pause to the Jul 28 re-escalation.
- USNI News (Fleet & Marine Tracker)— Fleet & Marine Tracker July 27 2026: USS Abraham Lincoln and USS George H.W. Bush carrier strike groups remain on station in the CENTCOM AOR (Arabian Sea) supporting Operation Epic Fury; no carrier in the Caribbean. Confirms the two-CSG presence.
- The War Zone (TWZ)— Where Are The Aircraft Carriers: July 28 2026 -- two carrier strike groups (Abraham Lincoln, George H.W. Bush) plus the Boxer amphibious ready group and ~14 destroyers in the Arabian Sea supporting the renewed strike campaign and the naval blockade.
- CNN— US-Iran war live (Jul 26 2026): Trump administration signals a pause in strikes will let talks progress; the US and Iran hold fire for a second straight day as an Omani delegation reaches Tehran. Resolves the Jul 24-26 pause and that it is not a ceasefire.
- Al Jazeera— US and Iran hit pause on strikes for a second day (Jul 26 2026): neither side struck for a second straight day while Iran-Oman deputy-FM Strait-of-Hormuz talks were called 'constructive'; Qatar and Pakistan relay messages.
- NPR— US pauses attacks on Iran for a second straight day and Tehran does too (Jul 26 2026): pause tied to Oman-mediated Hormuz talks; Trump 'giving talks some space' but says forces remain 'locked and loaded.'
- CNN— US-Iran war live (Jul 25 2026): US military does not announce new Iran strikes for the first time in two weeks, after 13 consecutive strike nights (Jul 11-23). Resolves the start of the strike pause.
- Al Jazeera— US attacks Iran for a 13th consecutive night as Trump threatens 'bigger' strikes (Jul 23 2026); Iran lashes out across the Gulf; Houthis attack two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea. Resolves the 13-night strike run and the Houthi 'new front.'
- CENTCOM— U.S. Forces to Resume Naval Blockade Against Iran (Jul 14 2026): CENTCOM resumes blockading maritime traffic entering/exiting Iranian ports beginning Jul 14 at 4 p.m. ET. Resolves the reimposed naval blockade.
- Stars and Stripes— US forces disable a tanker heading to an Iranian port as the blockade resumes (Jul 15 2026): the Curacao-flagged M/T Belma ignored warnings toward Kharg Island and was disabled by missiles into its smokestack. By Jul 25 CENTCOM had redirected 12 vessels, disabled 2, boarded 2.
- Daily Sabah— US strike targets Iran's Darkhovin nuclear power plant site (Jul 19-20 2026): the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran said the US struck the under-construction site with projectiles; the plant held no nuclear material when the IAEA last visited.
- Iran International— Iran says the US struck the Darkhovin nuclear power plant site (Jul 19 2026); Tehran calls it a 'dangerous assault' on civilian infrastructure and vows to respond.
- CNBC— Houthis claim strikes on two Saudi oil tankers (Encelia, Layla) in the Red Sea (Jul 23 2026), threatening to open a new front in the Iran war. Basis for the new-conflict scan: a new front IN the Iran war, not a discrete new US campaign.
- Washington Times— Houthis attack 2 Saudi tankers in the Red Sea, threatening to open a new front in the Iran war (Jul 23 2026); their first vessel attack since announcing a Bab el-Mandeb blockade of Saudi-linked shipping.
- The War Zone (TWZ)— Where Are The Aircraft Carriers: July 20 2026 -- two carrier strike groups (USS Abraham Lincoln, USS George H.W. Bush) plus the USS Boxer amphibious ready group and 20+ warships operate in the Arabian Sea / Indian Ocean supporting CENTCOM. No carrier in the Caribbean.
- CNN— Two US service members killed, one missing following Iranian strikes in Jordan (Jul 18 2026): CENTCOM announced 2 killed in action Jul 17 defending against Iranian ballistic-missile/drone attacks, 1 missing, 4 medevaced and discharged.
- CNBC— US says it targeted Iranian forces after deaths of two American troops (Jul 19 2026): CENTCOM completed an EIGHTH straight night of strikes against Iranian targets, begun to 'swiftly punish' Iran for killing US service members. Resolves the eight-consecutive-strike-night count (Jul 11-18/19).
- Fox News (live)— US retaliates for soldiers' deaths, striking Iran (Jul 19 2026 live): eighth consecutive day targeting air defenses, coastal military sites, IRGC forces and missile/drone facilities; search continues for the missing service member as of Jul 19.
- PBS NewsHour— US launches new airstrikes to 'punish' Iran for deaths of US troops (Jul 18 2026): 'Since the war began, 16 US service members have been killed and over 430 wounded' -- the wired us_killed/us_wounded figures.
- CENTCOM— US Forces Complete New Strikes on Iranian Military Targets (Jul 18 2026): coastal surveillance and air defense facilities, maritime capabilities, missile and drone storage sites -- to disrupt/degrade Iran's ability to attack vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
- France 24— Tehran threatens full-scale offensive as US launches seventh night of attacks (Jul 18 2026); two US troops killed, one missing after Iran attacks base in Jordan.
- Al Jazeera— Iran suggests MoU 'suspended' as 50 killed in US strikes in July (Jul 18 2026): Iran Health Ministry reports 50+ killed and 500+ injured in US strikes since Jul 6; infrastructure hit incl.
- CNN— US-Iran war live (Jul 13 2026): ceasefire disintegrates as the US and Iran trade strikes over the Strait of Hormuz; conflicting accounts on whether the Strait is open; Iran says the US is undermining Oman-mediated safe-passage talks near the 60-day MoU halfway mark.
- Al Jazeera— US launches a new wave of strikes against Iran aimed at 'degrading' its military (Jul 12 2026); strikes expand beyond the coastal zone. Resolves the second-night July escalation.
- CENTCOM— U.S. Forces Complete Another Round of Strikes Against Iran (Jul 11 2026): ~140 Iranian military targets hit (missile/drone sites, naval capabilities, ammunition storage, communications, coastal surveillance); CENTCOM cites 300+ targets over three nights this week.
- Al Jazeera— Iran launches missiles and drones at Gulf states (Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan, Oman) after a night of US strikes (Jul 12 2026); CENTCOM says no US service members hurt (Qatar 3+ injured incl. a child; Kuwait 1). Resolves 'no new US deaths' in the July 11-12 exchange.
- CNBC— US and Iran exchange strikes as the Strait of Hormuz standoff escalates (Jul 13 2026); Brent crude +2.8% to ~$78/bbl; ~14 vessels (half Iranian) transited the Strait per Kpler as fewer ships risk it.
- Stars and Stripes— US naval buildup near Iran (Jul 2026): ~24 warships including carriers USS Abraham Lincoln and USS George H.W. Bush and 15 destroyers; amphib USS Boxer joined July 1.
- CNN— US-Iran war live (Jul 11 2026): Iran declares the Strait of Hormuz closed again and strikes a container ship; the US answers with new strikes; an Iranian delegation still travels to Oman for mediated talks. Bridges the July 9-10 pause to the July 11-12 re-escalation.
- CNBC— US strikes ~90 Iran targets after ship attacks, per CENTCOM (Jul 8 2026): air defense, coastal surveillance, missile/drone storage, naval capabilities; Trump declares ceasefire over.
- RFE/RL— US insists Iran 'does not control' the Strait of Hormuz (Jul 2026); US reimposed naval blockade and is building up naval forces to enforce it.
- Army Recognition— US Navy redirects/maneuvers carrier strike groups (USS Abraham Lincoln, USS George H.W. Bush) around Iran amid the Hormuz crisis (Jul 2026); 20+ warships in the Middle East; Trump considering an expanded port blockade.
- CENTCOM (via GlobalSecurity)— US forces complete new round of offensive strikes against Iran, July 7 2026: 80+ targets hit with precision munitions in response to Iranian attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Resolves the ceasefire collapse and resumption of strikes.
- CNN— US conducting new strikes in Iran after Trump said the ceasefire is 'over' (Jul 8 2026); US reimposing naval blockade of Hormuz and oil sanctions.
- NPR— US launches new strikes against Iran after three ships hit in the Strait of Hormuz (Jul 7 2026).
- Al Jazeera— US strikes southern Iran; Tehran claims attacks on US military sites (Jul 7 2026). Strait of Hormuz ship attacks and the strike exchange.
- RFE/RL (via GlobalSecurity)— Iran claims attacks on US bases in Bahrain and Kuwait after new US strikes (Jul 8 2026): IRGC says it struck ~85 US military sites including the Fifth Fleet at Salman Port (Bahrain) and Ali Al Salem air base (Kuwait).
- Axios— US and Iran agree to halt strikes and meet (Jun 28 2026): after the ~Jun 26-27 Strait of Hormuz strike exchange, both sides agreed to stop striking and hold talks. Resolves the ceasefire-holding status.
- Al Jazeera— US-Iran talks in Doha (Jul 2 2026): technical talks concluded with Qatar reporting 'positive progress' on Hormuz shipping and frozen funds. Most recent conflict-relevant event.
- UK House of Commons Library— US-Iran ceasefire and nuclear talks in 2026: timeline of the June 17 memorandum and its fragile hold into early July 2026.
- CNBC— Successor to Iran's slain leader Khamenei does not appear at funeral (Jul 5 2026): confirms Khamenei was killed (Feb 28 opening strikes) and the early-July funeral is a state funeral, not a new death. Successor Mojtaba Khamenei named ~Mar 9, not seen publicly.
Cost to date
Range: SecDef Hegseth's ~$37.5B war cost to date (Senate testimony July 21 2026) to CSIS's comprehensive ~$42B including base/facility/collateral damage. Contested, not independently audited; a DoD internal all-in estimate runs $80–100B (NBC). Non-official all-in figures (~$36–40B trackers, ~$113B) are excluded. The official figure predates the continued strikes, the intensifying naval blockade and the Iraq front, so the range is a firm lower bound as costs keep accruing. Hegseth's ~$37.5B (July 21) is an operational war-cost figure; CSIS's ~$42B adds ~$12B in estimated base/facility/collateral damage; a DoD internal estimate reaches $80–100B (NBC), counting base repairs and aircraft/munitions replacement. None is independently audited. The official figure predates the continued strikes and the intensifying naval blockade, so it understates the current cost. Non-official all-in trackers (~$36–40B, ~$113B) are not used.
- Stars and Stripes— Hegseth says the Iran war has cost $37.5 billion so far, makes the case for supplemental funding (Jul 21 2026): SecDef Pete Hegseth's figure at a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing. The new official war-cost figure.
- NOTUS— Iran War Has Cost the U.S. Nearly $38 Billion (Jul 21 2026): corroborates Hegseth's ~$37.5B war-cost figure from the Senate Appropriations testimony.
- Air & Space Forces Magazine— Hegseth: Iran War Cost Now at $37.5 Billion (Jul 21 2026): corroborates the ~$37.5B official war-cost figure from the Senate Appropriations testimony; re-confirmed unchanged as of the Aug 10 refresh.
- NBC News— Hegseth puts the Iran war at $37.5B as the Pentagon seeks more money (Jul 21 2026): reports the DoD's INTERNAL overall war cost at $80-100B (base repairs, replacing aircraft, replenishing munitions), well above the public $37.5B. Source for the internal cost band.
- Washington Post— Pentagon pushes defense companies to boost weapons production after depleted stocks (Aug 8 2026): Deputy SecDef Steve Feinberg's memo gives industry no more than 21 days to submit faster-production plans; Patriot/THAAD/SM-3/PrSM interceptor stocks are at 50% or less of pre-war levels.
- CNBC (AP)— Pentagon pushes defense contractors to boost weapons production after depleted stocks (Aug 9 2026): corroborates the Feinberg memo and the <=50% interceptor stockpiles; Trump disputed the shortage on Truth Social.
- CSIS— Comprehensive Operation Epic Fury cost analysis including base and facility damage
- OMB— Office of Management and Budget supplemental request documentation
- MilitarySpend.org (aggregator)— Live cost tracker (~$36B). AGGREGATOR ESTIMATE, not official -- listed for provenance and explicitly excluded from the official cost range. A higher ~$113B 'all-in' figure that circulates is likewise non-official.
Emergency supplemental request
- CSIS— War Costs Make Up a Third of the $87.6 Billion Supplemental Request (Jul 2026): ~$32.7B of the $87.6B request is Iran-war costs, ~$39.2B non-war national security, ~$15.6B unrelated (farm aid, Ebola). Confirms the request scope; still pending.
- The Hill— Pete Hegseth fails to win support for the Iran war reconciliation package (Aug 2026): a 2+ hour meeting with key senators left them 'unconvinced or mum' on advancing the ~$95B House-passed reconciliation vehicle; the DoD/intel share is ~$73B. Basis for the still-not-enacted status.
- The Hill— GOP senators not happy with the Trump administration's handling of Iran funding (Aug 2026): Collins and Murkowski doubt a third reconciliation bill; Majority Leader Thune is noncommittal and notes Senate reconciliation rules differ from the House's. Corroborates the Senate stall.
- NPR— House passes a Pentagon funding bill and a blueprint to unlock new dollars for the Iran war (Jul 22 2026): the House adopted a ~$95B budget-reconciliation package folding in the war funding; the Senate has not taken it up. Confirms the supplemental is not yet enacted.
- Government Executive— Iran War supplemental deepens FY27 budget uncertainty (Jul 2026): $87.6B request still pending congressional action, facing stiff opposition; passage in doubt. Confirms supplemental NOT enacted.
- CRS— Congressional Research Service reports (official index; search Iran supplemental)
US military deaths
The official toll rose to 18 killed and 756 wounded (Pentagon DCAS, as of Aug 20, 2026; includes non-combat deaths), up from 687 on Aug 14 as the Pentagon added scores of newly logged wounded. Critics call the accounting an undercount.
- Washington Post— More than 750 US service members wounded in the Iran war (Aug 21 2026): the Pentagon's DCAS count rose from 697 (Wed Aug 19) to 756 (Thu Aug 20), with 18 killed unchanged; total killed+wounded 774. Basis for the raised official wounded floor.
- Stars and Stripes— Pentagon adds 60 wounded to Iran war casualty count (Aug 21 2026): documents the 697 -> 756 jump on Aug 20 -- the largest single-day increase since the war began. Corroborates the raised wounded floor.
- The Hill— Pentagon's Iran war casualty count tops 600 amid transparency questions (Aug 2026): the updated DCAS count reaches 18 killed and 687 wounded (as of Aug 14), combining the 'Operation Epic Fury' and post-Jul-7 'Overseas Operations' pages. Source for the raised official wounded floor.
- The Intercept— The Pentagon Found a New Way to Undercount U.S. Casualties in Iran (Aug 4 2026): DCAS now logs casualties since Jul 7 (the War Powers Act notification date) on a separate 'Overseas Operations' page; combining both pages yields ~704 killed+wounded, and counting omitted cases pushes past ~900.
- IranWire— Iran fires ballistic missiles at a US base in Jordan; CENTCOM says all intercepted (Jul 28-29 2026): the IRGC claimed the strike on Muwaffaq Salti air base; Jordan's air defenses downed 5 missiles; no US deaths reported. Resolves 'no new US KIA' in the renewed fighting.
- Al Jazeera— US and Saudi Arabia strike Iran-backed groups in Iraq (Jul 28-29 2026): CENTCOM says US and Saudi aircraft hit multiple militia logistics/weapons sites across eastern Iraq after 30+ IRGC-directed drone attacks in 72 hours; Iraq's PMF says at least 20 killed, 32 wounded. New front IN the Iran war.
- CNN— Iran war casualty count eclipses 600 as Pentagon quietly changes accounting (Jul 26 2026): official website showed 18 killed / 482 wounded as of Jul 22; combined with updated Epic Fury totals, 18 killed and 624 wounded since Feb 28. DCAS shifted to an 'Overseas Operations' category.
- Washington Times (AP)— Pentagon's official Iran war death toll no longer lists 4 troops killed during renewed fighting (Jul 26 2026): the 4 are placed in a new separate category; as late as Jul 22 the website showed 18 killed and 482 wounded.
- ABC News— Pentagon updates how it categorizes Iran war casualties (Jul 26 2026): DCAS now tracks under 'Overseas Operations' rather than 'Operation Epic Fury,' removing 4 renewed-fighting deaths and dozens of wounded from the Iran-war tally. Companion: 'Pentagon lowers count of Iran war dead and wounded.'
- CENTCOM— CENTCOM statement (Jul 19 2026): a service member in northern Iraq killed in action Jul 18 during a controlled detonation of unexploded ordnance from a downed Iranian drone; unidentified remains found at the Jordan site, verification ongoing.
- AP (via Washington Times)— AP wrap (Jul 19 2026): '17 US service members have died in the Iran war' — 'A third death was reported on Sunday, bringing the total number of deaths to 17.'
- War Department casualty release— DOW Identifies Army Casualties (Jul 20 2026): names the two Jul 17 Jordan KIA — 1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan, 25, of Ewa Beach, Hawaii, and Pvt. Isabella Gonzales, 19, of Carrollton, Texas (corroborated by UPI, Washington Times).
- CNN— Two US service members killed, one missing following Iranian strikes in Jordan (Jul 18 2026): CENTCOM announced 2 killed in action Jul 17 defending against Iranian ballistic-missile/drone attacks, 1 missing, 4 medevaced and discharged.
- Military Times— 2 US troops killed, 1 missing after Iranian missile/drone attack in Jordan (Jul 18 2026): cumulative 16 US troops killed and 400+ wounded; names withheld pending next-of-kin notification; notes Cmdr. Gabriel Edwards (HSC-5) died Jul 1 in an Arabian Sea helicopter incident (the 14th death).
- ABC News (AP)— US military death toll in Iran war rises to 14 after Navy pilot death this month (Jul 13 2026): +1 non-hostile death (Navy helicopter crash in the Arabian Sea, early July, no indication of hostile action).
- Military Times— Pentagon data: 13 US troops killed, more than 380 wounded in Operation Epic Fury (Apr 8 2026) -- the long-standing official anchor superseded Jul 13/18; wounded breakdown 247 Army, 63 Navy, 19 Marines, 36 Air Force.
- CENTCOM / DoD— U.S. Central Command / Dept. of Defense press releases (official releases index)
US wounded
- Washington Post— More than 750 US service members wounded in the Iran war (Aug 21 2026): the Pentagon's DCAS count rose from 697 (Wed Aug 19) to 756 (Thu Aug 20), with 18 killed unchanged; total killed+wounded 774. Basis for the raised official wounded floor.
- Stars and Stripes— Pentagon adds 60 wounded to Iran war casualty count (Aug 21 2026): documents the 697 -> 756 jump on Aug 20 -- the largest single-day increase since the war began. Corroborates the raised wounded floor.
- The Hill— Pentagon's Iran war casualty count tops 600 amid transparency questions (Aug 2026): the updated DCAS count reaches 18 killed and 687 wounded (as of Aug 14), combining the 'Operation Epic Fury' and post-Jul-7 'Overseas Operations' pages. Source for the raised official wounded floor.
- Military Times— Pentagon moves recent KIA numbers from the Iran war into an 'Overseas Operations' category (Jul 27 2026): documents the DCAS accounting split (post-Jul-7 casualties tracked separately) that the Aug 14 687-wounded count later recombines. Context for the wounded-floor sourcing.
- The Intercept— The Pentagon Found a New Way to Undercount U.S. Casualties in Iran (Aug 4 2026): DCAS now logs casualties since Jul 7 (the War Powers Act notification date) on a separate 'Overseas Operations' page; combining both pages yields ~704 killed+wounded, and counting omitted cases pushes past ~900.
- CNN— Iran war casualty count eclipses 600 as Pentagon quietly changes accounting (Jul 26 2026): official website showed 18 killed / 482 wounded as of Jul 22; combined with updated Epic Fury totals, 18 killed and 624 wounded since Feb 28. DCAS shifted to an 'Overseas Operations' category.
- Washington Times (AP)— Pentagon's official Iran war death toll no longer lists 4 troops killed during renewed fighting (Jul 26 2026): the 4 are placed in a new separate category; as late as Jul 22 the website showed 18 killed and 482 wounded.
- ABC News— Pentagon updates how it categorizes Iran war casualties (Jul 26 2026): DCAS now tracks under 'Overseas Operations' rather than 'Operation Epic Fury,' removing 4 renewed-fighting deaths and dozens of wounded from the Iran-war tally. Companion: 'Pentagon lowers count of Iran war dead and wounded.'
- AOL (AP)— US warplanes strike Iranian-backed militias that wounded four American troops (Jul 29 2026): documents the 4 US wounded from IRGC-directed militia attacks in Iraq (noted for currency; not added to the official wounded floor).
- PBS NewsHour— US launches new airstrikes to 'punish' Iran for deaths of US troops (Jul 18 2026): 'Since the war began, 16 US service members have been killed and over 430 wounded' -- the wired us_killed/us_wounded figures.
- ABC News (AP)— US military death toll in Iran war rises to 14 after Navy pilot death this month (Jul 13 2026): +1 non-hostile death (Navy helicopter crash in the Arabian Sea, early July, no indication of hostile action).
- The Intercept— Pentagon Erases Wounded US Troops From Iran War Casualty List (Apr 22 2026): documents 15 wounded-in-action scrubbed from the official count without explanation; independent wounded tallies run ~520-543 vs the official 430+.
us_missing
- CENTCOM— CENTCOM statement (Jul 19 2026): a service member in northern Iraq killed in action Jul 18 during a controlled detonation of unexploded ordnance from a downed Iranian drone; unidentified remains found at the Jordan site, verification ongoing.
- Army Times— US service member killed in northern Iraq, CENTCOM says (Jul 19 2026); carries CENTCOM's verbatim statement on the UXO death and the remains found at the Jordan attack site.
- CNN— Two US service members killed, one missing following Iranian strikes in Jordan (Jul 18 2026): CENTCOM announced 2 killed in action Jul 17 defending against Iranian ballistic-missile/drone attacks, 1 missing, 4 medevaced and discharged.
- Military Times— 2 US troops killed, 1 missing after Iranian missile/drone attack in Jordan (Jul 18 2026): cumulative 16 US troops killed and 400+ wounded; names withheld pending next-of-kin notification; notes Cmdr. Gabriel Edwards (HSC-5) died Jul 1 in an Arabian Sea helicopter incident (the 14th death).
- Fox News (live)— US retaliates for soldiers' deaths, striking Iran (Jul 19 2026 live): eighth consecutive day targeting air defenses, coastal military sites, IRGC forces and missile/drone facilities; search continues for the missing service member as of Jul 19.
Air-campaign deaths inside Iran (NON-US; US + Israel combined)
At least 3,684 killed inside Iran as of 2026-07-17 — HRANA's 3,636 through April 7 plus 48 in its July 8–17 report on the US-only July wave. A strict floor: April–June deaths are in neither period, and later US strikes plus the ongoing naval blockade through mid-August are uncounted. Pre-July deaths are combined US–Israel attribution; competing cumulative counts run 3,375–3,468, US/Israeli 6,000+.
- HRANA— Human Rights Activists in Iran (US-based monitor): 3,636 documented deaths in Iran as of Apr 7 2026 -- 1,701 civilians, 1,221 military, 714 unclassified. Cautions military deaths are likely undercounted. Counts the combined US-Israel campaign, not US-only.
- Iran Health Ministry (via Al Jazeera)— Iran Health Ministry counts, as carried by Al Jazeera's death-toll tracker: 3,468 killed (incl. 7 infants, 376 children, 496 women; 26,500+ injured) as of June 10 2026, attributed to the combined 'US-Israeli attacks since February 28'.
- Iran Forensic Medicine Organization (via AP)— AP (Apr 12 2026): Abbas Masjedi, head of Iran's Forensic Medicine Organization, says 3,375 bodies from the war have completed identification/certification -- 2,875 men, 496 women; 262 children aged 12 and under (incl. 7 infants), 121 teens 13-18; only 4 unidentified.
- HRANA— HRANA Ten-Day Report on the New Wave of Attacks on Iran -- data window July 8-17 2026 ('documented by HRANA between July 8 and July 17'): at least 48 killed (20 civilians, 28 military) and 68+ injured (46 civilians, 22 military) in the US July strike wave, concentrated in the south along the Pe…
- Al Jazeera (live)— Iran war live (Jul 30 2026): Tehran says the US will 'pay the price' for civilians killed in strikes on Qeshm Island; Iranian media report a couple and their 2-year-old child killed in the Chah Tangu area during the US 'heavy wave.'
- Middle East Monitor— Iran says US strikes killed 53, wounded 592 since June 27 (Jul 22 2026, Health Ministry): among the dead are six women and three people under 18; figures still require verification. Corroborates and exceeds HRANA's documented July increment of 48.
- TASS (Iran Health Ministry)— US strikes on Iran killed 55 people since June 27, Iran's Health Ministry says (late Jul 2026): a rising cumulative for the July US-strike phase; corroborating the July increment above HRANA's documented 48.
- Iran Foundation of Martyrs (via IranWire)— IranWire: over 3,400 people killed during the 40-day war per Iran's Foundation of Martyrs (Martyr Foundation); the commonly cited confirmed figure is 3,468 (matching the Health Ministry). Earlier interim count 1,230 (IranWire, Mar 2026). Iranian-official corroborator; no civ/mil breakdown published.
- Al Jazeera— Iran suggests MoU 'suspended' as 50 killed in US strikes in July (Jul 18 2026): Iran Health Ministry reports 50+ killed and 500+ injured in US strikes since Jul 6; infrastructure hit incl.
- Al Jazeera— US strikes on southern Iran (Bushehr, Chabahar, Bandar Abbas, Jask, Sirik) over Jul 7-9 killed ~14 and wounded ~78 (incl. 3 at a Sirik fishing pier); resolves the Iranian death toll from the resumed US strikes.
- CENTCOM— U.S. Forces Complete Another Round of Strikes Against Iran (Jul 11 2026): ~140 Iranian military targets hit (missile/drone sites, naval capabilities, ammunition storage, communications, coastal surveillance); CENTCOM cites 300+ targets over three nights this week.
- The Soufan Center— IntelBrief (Apr 7 2026): cites HRANA that 1,600+ civilians in Iran killed since Epic Fury and Roaring Lion began Feb 28; frames casualties as arising from the joint US-Israel operations without a per-attacker breakdown.
- MilitarySpend.org— Iran war casualty tracker aggregating named sources: HRANA 3,636 (civ/mil split), Foundation of Martyrs 3,468, Forensic Medicine Org 3,375, IDF 6,000+ IRGC. States it does not sum contested figures across sides and does not disaggregate US-caused from Israel-caused deaths.
Daily-cost comparison (Iraq War average)
- CRS RL33110— The Cost of Iraq, Afghanistan, and Other Global War on Terror Operations — Iraq-only peak $143.9B in FY2008 (~$393M/day nominal, ~$610M/day in 2026 dollars via CPI-U)
- CRS RS22926— Costs of Major U.S. Wars — cross-era totals; comparisons are appropriations-based and era definitions differ (Vietnam = DoD incremental cost; Iraq = enacted war appropriations)
Civilian deaths inside Iran (subset of air-campaign deaths)
- HRANA— Human Rights Activists in Iran (US-based monitor): 3,636 documented deaths in Iran as of Apr 7 2026 -- 1,701 civilians, 1,221 military, 714 unclassified. Cautions military deaths are likely undercounted. Counts the combined US-Israel campaign, not US-only.
- Iran Health Ministry (via Al Jazeera)— Iran Health Ministry counts, as carried by Al Jazeera's death-toll tracker: 3,468 killed (incl. 7 infants, 376 children, 496 women; 26,500+ injured) as of June 10 2026, attributed to the combined 'US-Israeli attacks since February 28'.
- HRANA— HRANA Ten-Day Report on the New Wave of Attacks on Iran -- data window July 8-17 2026 ('documented by HRANA between July 8 and July 17'): at least 48 killed (20 civilians, 28 military) and 68+ injured (46 civilians, 22 military) in the US July strike wave, concentrated in the south along the Pe…
US-Venezuela / Caribbean Operations — Operation Southern Spear
Data compiled as of August 24, 2026. Numbers change daily in active conflicts.
Cost to date
Brown University's Costs of War floor estimate of $4.7B through Mar 31 2026. Breakdown: naval $3.84B, aircraft $616M, SOF $15.9M, Absolute Resolve ancillary $207M, munitions $12.6M-$50.4M. Independently corroborated by Responsible Statecraft, The Intercept, and Truthout. Extrapolated at CSIS's ~$31M/day (estimate dated Jan 2026, combat/blockade posture) only through Jun 24 2026, when operations shifted to earthquake relief; not extrapolated beyond. Report is explicitly partial (Pentagon non-disclosure; a CIA operation referenced by Trump remains classified). Congress did not authorize use of force in the Caribbean/Eastern Pacific. CSIS's $31M/day rate is Jan 2026, pre-earthquake combat/blockade posture -- extrapolation stops Jun 24 2026 when operations shifted to earthquake relief, so cumulative cost past that date is unpublished and likely understated here.
- Brown University's Costs of War— Budgetary costs of US military operations in Venezuela, the Caribbean, and the Eastern Pacific (Homestead & Kavanagh, Apr 23 2026)
- CSIS— Ongoing Military Operations Around Venezuela Cost $31 Million per Day (Jan 20 2026)
- Brown University's Costs of War (PDF)— Primary report PDF
- Responsible Statecraft— DoD spent $4.7 billion for Venezuela, Caribbean ops: Report
- The Intercept— Trump Has Already Spent at Least $4.7 Billion Attacking Latin America (Apr 23 2026)
Daily run-rate cost
- CSIS— Ongoing Military Operations Around Venezuela Cost $31 Million per Day (Jan 20 2026)
Unbudgeted daily cost
- CSIS— Ongoing Military Operations Around Venezuela Cost $31 Million per Day (Jan 20 2026)
Vessel-strike deaths (NON-US)
NON-US: 215 killed in vessel strikes (as of 2026-06-21; At least 215 killed (including 17 missing/presumed dead) in 66 strikes, Sept 2 2025 through the last confirmed vessel strike as of 2026-06-21. NON-US people aboard targeted boats (reported mostly from Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Trinidad and Tobago, Saint Lucia). This figure is the Just Security running timeline, aggregating named SOUTHCOM strike-by-strike announcements. Re-verified 2026-08-24: NO vessel strike confirmed since Jun 21 2026; the AP Aug 17 'US expands campaign on land in Latin America' framing cites 200+ killed in 60+ boat strikes to date -- broadly consistent with the 215 floor, not a fresh strike. Some aggregator tallies show up to ~221; we keep the Just Security / SOUTHCOM-announcement floor of 215. The narco-trafficker characterization is CONTESTED; the count is what SOUTHCOM has announced.). 75 killed in Jan 3 Maduro raid (US-government assessment of about 75 killed (one official said at least 67; another said about 75-80) in the Jan 3 2026 Operation Absolute Resolve raid, per US officials cited by the Washington Post (Jan 6 2026). Named-official components: 32 Cuban personnel (Cuban government, honored Jan 15) plus Venezuelan security forces -- initially 24 (Venezuelan AG Tarek William Saab, Jan 6) later revised upward by Venezuela's defense minister to ~47 troops killed / 83 total (Al Jazeera, Jan 17). Venezuela's interior minister Cabello separately claimed 100+. NON-US deaths. CONTESTED -- ~75 is the US assessment; named-official floor is ~56 (24 Venezuelan + 32 Cuban) rising to ~79 (47 + 32) on Venezuela's own revised military count; 100+ is the Venezuelan high claim. Re-verified 2026-08-24: all figures remain January-dated, no change.)
- Just Security— Timeline of boat strikes aggregating official SOUTHCOM strike announcements; 66 strikes and 215 killed as of Jun 21 2026
Maduro raid deaths (NON-US, Jan 3 2026)
- Washington Post— Maduro raid killed about 75 in Venezuela, U.S. officials assess (Jan 6 2026)
- Military.com (AP)— At Least 24 Venezuelan Security Officers Killed (Jan 6 2026); names AG Saab plus 32 Cuban personnel
- Al Jazeera— Nearly 50 Venezuelan soldiers killed in US operation to seize Maduro (Jan 17 2026): Venezuela's defense minister revised the toll to ~47 troops killed / 83 total.
- CNBC— Venezuela says 100 killed in the US operation that captured Maduro (Jan 7 2026); source for the Venezuelan 100+ claim and 7 US injured
- Spokesman-Review— Syndication of the Washington Post ~75 assessment (non-paywalled)
Oil blockade / tankers seized
- NPR— U.S. forces stop a 2nd merchant vessel off Venezuela coast, officials say (Dec 20 2025)
- Al Jazeera— US forces seize a seventh Venezuela-linked oil tanker, Sagitta (Jan 21 2026)
- Al Jazeera— US seizes fifth oil tanker (Jan 9 2026)
- PBS NewsHour— U.S. seizes sixth sanctioned tanker tied to Venezuela (Jan 15 2026)
- Al Jazeera— US seizes Venezuela-linked oil tanker Aquila II in the Indian Ocean (Feb 9 2026), the eighth seizure; Panama-flagged, ~700,000 bbl bound for China, boarded after a pursuit from the Caribbean.
- PBS NewsHour— US military boards sanctioned oil tanker (Aquila II) after pursuit from Caribbean to Indian Ocean (Feb 2026); named-source confirmation of the eighth seizure.
Economic impact of blockade
- Fortune— US naval blockade of Venezuela has cost $700M, rising $9M daily (Jan 8 2026, citing CNAS; Ford-specific, now stale)
Conflict status & latest events
- SOUTHCOM (via GlobalSecurity)— USS San Antonio (LPD-17) arrived pierside at La Guaira July 9 2026 and relieved USS Fort Lauderdale as the primary afloat coordination hub for the State Dept-led relief mission, beginning a 'sustained recovery phase'; SOUTHCOM stresses the presence is temporary.
- USNI News (Fleet & Marine Tracker)— Fleet & Marine Tracker July 7 2026: no carrier in the Caribbean; USS Nimitz at Mayport, FL (FLEETEX before a planned transit to New York for America 250); only USS Fort Lauderdale + USS Billings remain in-theater on earthquake relief. Confirms 'no carrier on station.'
- USNI News (Fleet & Marine Tracker)— Fleet & Marine Tracker June 29 2026: USS Nimitz (CVN-68) arrived Mayport, FL having concluded Southern Seas 2026; Iwo Jima ARG + 22nd MEU returned from deployment; only USS Fort Lauderdale + USS Billings remain in the Caribbean. Resolves 'no carrier on station.'
- France 24— Venezuela's La Guaira port reopened June 30 2026 to receive earthquake aid, US military delivering relief. Latest event; documents the humanitarian-relief posture.
- U.S. State Department— Update on US assistance to Venezuela (June 2026): US earthquake aid raised to $300M+; military relief in cooperation with Venezuelan authorities.
US combat deaths
Zero US combat deaths in-theater (re-verified 2026-08-24; no new deaths). One non-combat US death: LCpl Chukwuemeka E. Oforah fell overboard from USS Iwo Jima on Feb 7 2026. 7 US service members injured in the Jan 3 Maduro raid (0 killed; 5 recovered, 2 still recovering as of early Jan 2026).