Nournews: Two months after the start of the U.S. war against Iran, a more accurate picture of the actual costs of this conflict is now available. This picture reveals a significant gap between initial estimates and the realities on the ground. Contrary to early predictions, which emphasized a short and low-cost war, available data shows that costs have quickly surged to levels far higher than expected.

According to released information, the direct costs of the war are estimated at about $2 billion per day on average. This figure includes only direct costs such as military operations, fuel, troop movements, and logistical support. In the early days of the war, the initial estimate was $11.3 billion, but this figure quickly increased to at least $16 billion—a clear sign of a miscalculation in the initial estimates.

One of the key factors driving up costs is the maintenance of heavy military equipment. For example, an aircraft carrier costs about $300,000 per day to maintain. This figure covers only operational readiness and does not include actual operational costs. With several carriers and similar equipment present in the region, these costs escalate exponentially.

Alongside this, there is a significant gap between the actual costs and what is reported in official records. This "operational and accounting gap" includes ongoing repairs, equipment depreciation, technical support, and long-term stationing of troops, which often are not fully reflected in the statistics.

Another key factor is the rising cost of replacing military equipment. Many assets are recorded in financial systems at old prices, but under current conditions, replacing them now costs up to twice as much. For instance, a fighter jet that was previously valued at about $38 million now requires around $70 million for replacement. Additionally, Tomahawk missiles, which used to cost about $3.5 million, now range from $4 to $5 million. Defense systems like Patriot also cost several million dollars per unit.

On the other hand, the "cost asymmetry" has become a major challenge. In this framework, a drone costing around $30,000 can pose a threat, and to counter it, a missile worth around $4 million might be used. This stark discrepancy results in even limited engagements incurring heavy costs.

In the long term, the costs of the war take on a broader dimension. The debt for veterans has reached around $7.3 trillion, with approximately 37% of these individuals receiving disability benefits. This alone places a continuous financial burden on the government's budget, which will persist for years.

Furthermore, the financing of the war is being carried out through increased national debt. Currently, about 15% of the total federal budget is spent on paying interest on debts. This indicates that the cost of the war is not limited to the battlefield, but extends throughout the nation's financial structure, impacting the entire economy.

In total, the combination of direct daily expenses, equipment maintenance, rising replacement costs, cost asymmetry, and long-term commitments such as veterans' benefits and debt interest shows that the true cost of this war could reach around one trillion dollars. This amount not only creates significant economic pressure but will also have long-term consequences for future generations.