₩1.3 Trillion a Day, ₩5.4 Trillion in 100 Hours: 5 Warnings the US-Iran War Cost Analysis Sends to Long-War Risks and Korea's Economy
A think tank analysis reveals that the US spent $3.7 billion (approximately ₩5.4 trillion) on war costs in the first 100 hours after launching its Iran attack, burning through an average of ₩1.3 trillion per day. Warnings are mounting that if the war drags on, an additional $50 billion (₩73 trillion) budget request is expected, and Korea's energy and inflation crises could deepen significantly.
Why You Need to Read This Now: The moment the US-Iran war crosses 100 hours, the expectation that "it will end quickly" is collapsing. War costs burning through ₩1.3 trillion per day are not merely a military issue — they are an 'economic time bomb' directly linked to Korea's energy import costs, inflation, interest rates, and stock prices.
TL;DR
- CSIS (Center for Strategic and International Studies) analysis: First 100-hour cost of Iran strike operation: $3.71 billion (₩5.4 trillion)
- Average daily war cost: $890 million (₩1.3 trillion); estimated ₩44.3 billion per fighter sortie
- Trump administration expected to request $50 billion (₩73 trillion) in supplemental spending approval from Congress
- Korea: WTI surge, USD/KRW breaking 1,500, KOSPI historic roller coaster already a reality
- If war prolongs, Korea's energy import costs could rise by an estimated additional ₩30 trillion or more annually
The Facts: How Much Does the War Cost?
The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) estimated in an analytical report on March 6, 2026 that the first 100 hours of the US offensive against Iran — launched on February 28 — cost $3.71 billion (approximately ₩5.46 trillion). Based on this figure, the average daily operating cost comes to $891.4 million (approximately ₩1.3 trillion).
Key cost items:
- B-2 stealth bomber per sortie: approx. $30 million (₩44.3 billion)
- Tomahawk cruise missile per unit: approx. $2 million (₩2.9 billion)
- GBU-57 bunker buster per unit: approx. $3.5 million (₩5.1 billion)
- Aircraft carrier strike group daily operating cost: approx. $6 million (₩8.8 billion)
Separately, MBC News reported that the Trump administration is expected to request approval for $50 billion (₩73 trillion) in additional spending from Congress. House Speaker Mike Johnson (Republican) stated, "We will pass the supplemental budget at the appropriate time."
Spread Factors: Why Is This News Trending Now?
Early optimism that the war would "end quickly" has given way to growing concerns about a prolonged conflict as fighting enters its second week. With Iran continuing to pursue Hormuz Strait blockades and drone/missile retaliatory strikes, President Trump is maintaining a hardline stance of "no negotiations except unconditional surrender."
Warnings have begun emerging from within the United States that "this could become an endless war like Iraq." Defense Secretary Hegseth defended the position by saying "This is different from Iraq; it won't be an endless war," but markets have already started pricing in a long-term conflict.
Context & Background: US War Finances and Impact on Korea
US Fiscal Burden
- Most operational costs are already reflected in the FY2026 defense budget, but $3.1 billion in ammunition replenishment is separate
- Additional consumption occurring while Patriot missile stockpiles are already depleted due to Ukraine aid
- Concerns about fiscal burden are being voiced even within the Republican Party
Impact on Korea's Economy
- Energy: Korea imports 98% of its oil from overseas. WTI broke $81 and gasoline prices surpassed ₩1,800. Qatar warns of '$150 within 2–3 weeks'
- Foreign Exchange: USD/KRW broke 1,500 — for the first time since the 2009 financial crisis, 17 years ago
- Stock Market: KOSPI plunged 19% over two days then rebounded 9.6% in one day — an unprecedented roller coaster
- Inflation: Additional upward pressure on consumer prices due to surging energy and transportation costs
Outlook: Korea Impact by Scenario
| Scenario | Duration | Oil Price Outlook | Korea Additional Energy Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short-term ceasefire | ~2 weeks | WTI $70–85 | Additional ₩5–10 trillion/year |
| Medium-term continuation | 1–3 months | WTI $85–120 | Additional ₩15–25 trillion/year |
| Prolonged conflict | 3+ months | WTI $120–150+ | Additional ₩30 trillion+/year |
Expert Assessments:
- Morgan Stanley: "The Iran war is a direct hit to Korea's economy" — both energy dependence and external exposure rated high-risk
- JP Morgan: Projects $120–130 if Hormuz is fully blockaded
- Qatar's Minister Al-Kaabi: Public warning of "oil at $150 within 2–3 weeks"
Checklist: What You Should Verify Right Now
Reference Links
- Yonhap News — US estimated to have spent ₩5.4 trillion in first 100 hours of Iran attack
- Donga Ilbo — US spending ₩1.3 trillion per day on Iran war… ₩44.3 billion per fighter sortie
- Edaily — US spending ₩1.3 trillion per day on Iran war
- MBC News — 'Plenty of weapons' but now 'SOS to defense companies'
- JoongAng Ilbo — ₩5 trillion gone in 100 hours of war… Can the US sustain ₩1.3 trillion daily?
- YTN — US estimated to have spent ₩5.4 trillion in first 100 hours of Iran attack
Image Sources
- Representative image unavailable (copyright-protected; no file upload tool available). Reference image: Wikimedia Commons — B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber (Public Domain)