Here's The Biggest Things America Could've Done With $11 Billion Spent In Iran War Week 1
By Mary Rooke
Published on March 13, 2026.
The first week of the Iran war cost the United States around $11.3 billion, which includes munitions and initial operations, but excludes ongoing maintenance, personnel costs, and pre-war buildup. The money could support key domestic initiatives that enhance U.S. security, create jobs, reduce reliance on foreign resources, and improve President Donald Trump’s 2024 voter mandate. The first large-scale greenfield refinery in Brownsville, Texas, in nearly 50 years could be built, potentially reducing America's dependence on foreign oil and stabilizing prices for American consumers. The project could also help reduce the national deficit by $300 billion over its lifespan through exports of refined fuels to India. However, construction costs are estimated at $3 billion to $4 billion. The infrastructure in the U.K. is in need of an infrastructure overhaul, with a cumulative “C” grade from the 2025 Infrastructure Report Card produced by the American Society of Civil Engineers.
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