The Pentagon puts the cost of the Iran war above US$47 billion

The latest estimate is more than 25 per cent higher than the Defense Department's July figure.

More than US$29 billion of the projected cost would replace munitions used in the conflict, and over US$6 billion would replace equipment and aircraft losses.

The figures do not clearly include repairs to US bases damaged by Iranian missile and drone attacks.

Why it matters

The estimate has not been shared publicly, and it comes before the Nov 3 US election that will decide control of Congress.