Five sets of data highlight the high cost of the U.S. going to war with Iran.

Reference News Network reported on July 28 The Spanish website "Confidential Report" published an article titled "Understanding the War with the Lowest Support Rate in the U.S. through 5 Sets of Data" on July 25, authored by Alva Sanz. The article is summarized as follows:

The military action initiated by the United States and Israel against Iran is approaching its fifth month. U.S. President Trump stated that this military offensive aims to destroy Iran's nuclear program and facilitate the collapse of the Iranian regime. Nearly 150 days have passed since the first round of bombings by the U.S. military against Iran, and neither of the two major operational objectives has been achieved. The conflict has evolved into a war of attrition, with the military, economic, and political costs for Washington skyrocketing.

Five months into the conflict, various data vividly illustrate the overall picture of this war: hundreds of billions of dollars invested, over a dozen U.S. military personnel killed, and the highest historical opposition rate among the American public; regional commerce and infrastructure have been repeatedly attacked and damaged, with negative impacts continuing to spread.

1. War expenditures continue to rise

U.S. Secretary of Defense Hegseth confirmed at a congressional hearing this week that military spending for the war against Iran has reached $37.5 billion. This figure is $8.5 billion higher than the Pentagon's estimate of $29 billion at the beginning of May.

Despite the rising military expenditures, Hegseth still warned that the current funding is insufficient to sustain the conflict, requesting a total defense budget of $1.5 trillion for 2027 from Congress, along with an additional nearly $70 billion in special appropriations to support various military operations in Iran.

After a vote in the U.S. House of Representatives, this additional funding was successfully approved, allocating $73 billion to the Pentagon and intelligence agencies, primarily to cover expenses related to the war in Iran. The Democratic Party collectively voted against the relevant bill, accusing the Trump administration of expanding military operations uncontrollably.

2. U.S. military casualties remain a mystery

Pentagon data shows that at least 14 U.S. military personnel have been killed, and 417 have been injured in the conflict. However, since the ceasefire broke down, the Department of Defense has rarely disclosed operational progress, and the total number of injuries has not been publicly detailed. This lack of transparency has drawn significant criticism from the public, accusing the U.S. of deliberately concealing war casualties.

A U.S. official told The New York Times that fully disclosing the status of the injured could allow Iran to precisely adjust its attack plans, increasing the lethality against U.S. military bases in the Middle East.

3. War support rate hits a new low

With less than six months until the U.S. midterm elections, multiple polls show that the American public generally opposes going to war with Iran. A poll conducted by The Economist in collaboration with YouGov from May 29 to June 1 revealed that only 30% of Americans support continuing the war.

Nearly half of the respondents (49%) expressed strong opposition to military intervention, with only 15% firmly supporting the war. Among different demographics, the opposition rate among those under 30 reached 68%, while the opposition rate among African Americans was 79%, and 90% among Democratic voters.

The research team compiled 153 polling data from seven major wars in modern U.S. history, confirming that this war has the lowest support rate among the American public. This is also the first war in U.S. history that started with a net support rate in negative territory (-13%). At the onset of military action against Iran, the number of Americans opposing the war exceeded those in support.

Since then, public support for this war has continued to deteriorate. In June, the net support rate fell to -32%, even surpassing the level of opposition seen at the end of the Vietnam War (-31%). Previously, the Vietnam War had been the most unpopular war among the American public. The study concluded that this is the first foreign war in U.S. history that has failed to gain majority public support throughout its duration.

4. Maritime shipping frequently attacked

The most direct impact of the war is reflected in the shipping industry. Before the conflict, the Strait of Hormuz accounted for about 20% of global oil shipping, but repeated blockades and partial reopening of the shipping lanes have disrupted global freight rhythms and energy supplies. The International Maritime Organization reported that since the outbreak of the war, there have been 46 incidents of commercial vessels being attacked in this waterway.

In addition, there have been two incidents of Saudi oil tankers being attacked in the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, which handles 10% to 12% of global trade transport. Iran's ally, the Houthi forces in Yemen, have repeatedly attempted to seize Saudi vessels.

With concerns over the safety of shipping lanes, many shipping companies have been forced to change routes and delay shipping schedules, leading to a comprehensive increase in logistics costs. The ongoing obstruction of shipping lanes continues to pressure the international commodity market.

5. Heavy losses in infrastructure

The impact of the conflict has long extended beyond maritime shipping. Iran's strikes have targeted various energy facilities, including refineries and gas plants, hitting a total of 20 to 30 energy targets; additionally, 15 to 25 bridges, tunnels, and railway lines have been destroyed, which are vital for material transport and military supply. Furthermore, 3 to 6 desalination plants and water treatment facilities have been attacked, directly affecting the guarantee of water supply for the public.

There is currently no official comprehensive assessment of the damage to Iran's domestic civilian and economic infrastructure. Based on various estimates, since the outbreak of the war, Iran's refineries, gas stations, oil depots, and substations have suffered between 15 to 25 attacks. (Translation/ Han Chao)