Trump administration says cost of Iran war’s first two days was US$5.6 billion, Reuters’ source says

This image from video provided by U.S. Central Command shows a missile being launched from a U.S. Navy ship in support of Operation Epic Fury. (U.S. Central Command via AP)

WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration said it used US$5.6 billion in munitions during the first two days of strikes against Iran in a report provided to U.S. congressional committees, a source familiar with the information said on Tuesday.

Members of Congress, who may soon have to approve additional funding for the war, have expressed concern that the conflict will deplete U.S. military stocks at a time when the defense industry was already struggling to keep up with demand.

Trump met executives from seven defense contractors on Friday as the Pentagon worked to replenish supplies.

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The administration has not provided a public assessment of the cost of the conflict it launched on Feb. 28 along with ally Israel.

Democratic members of Congress have clamored for more information, including public testimony from officials about issues including how the conflict might affect the U.S. military’s readiness to defend the country.

Administration officials have held several classified briefings for members of Congress and staff.

In a speech as he opened the U.S. Senate on Tuesday, Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, the Democratic leader, called on administration officials to appear before Congress.

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“When it comes to sending our servicemembers into harm’s way, the American people need to understand why. But right now, they don’t even have a ‘why.’ That needs to change,” Schumer said.

Several congressional aides have said they expect the White House to soon submit a request to Congress for additional funding for the war. Some officials have said the request could be for $50 billion, but others have said that estimate seems low.

(Reporting by Patricia Zengerle; editing by David Gaffen)