Middle East

2003–2011 · $2T · 4,431 US deaths

Invasion based on false claims of weapons of mass destruction. Overthrew Saddam Hussein, destabilized the entire Middle East, and created the conditions for ISIS.

1990–1991 · $136B · 382 US deaths

Coalition war to liberate Kuwait after Iraqi invasion. Quick decisive military victory followed by decades of consequences.

2014–Present · $115B · 93 US deaths

Operation Inherent Resolve — US-led coalition against ISIS/ISIL after they captured Mosul and declared a "caliphate." Over 34,000 airstrikes. ISIS territorial caliphate defeated by 2019 but insurgency continues. 2,500 US troops remain in Iraq and 900 in Syria as of 2026.

2026–Present · $35B · 15 US deaths

On February 28, 2026, the US and Israel launched "Operation Epic Fury" — massive joint strikes to destroy Iran's nuclear capabilities and decapitate its leadership. Supreme Leader Khamenei killed on Day 1. CEASEFIRE announced Day 39 (April 7). Day 47: Trump declares war "over" on Fox News — then sends 6,000 more troops + USS George HW Bush. US blockade "completely halted" Iran trade — 9 ships turned back in 48 hours. Iran threatens Red Sea expansion. Pakistan Army Chief in Tehran. Israel-Lebanon "launch direct negotiations." Harvard: war could cost $1 trillion. IEA: "demand destruction" underway. Lebanon: 2,124 killed. HRANA: 1,701+ Iranian civilians (254 children). 13 US KIA, 520+ wounded. Ceasefire expires Apr 21.

2014–2025 · $30B · 22 US deaths

Air campaign and special operations against ISIS in Syria. Also armed Syrian rebels, some of whom later joined extremist groups.

2023–Present · $21.7B · Covert

US-funded Israeli military operations in Lebanon from October 2023 cross-border fighting through the 2024 invasion and into the 2026 resumption. Part of $21.7B+ in US military aid to Israel since October 7, 2023 (Brown University Costs of War). The World Bank's 2025 RDNA report estimated $14 billion in damage to Lebanon — $6.8B physical destruction + $7.2B economic losses. Lebanon was already in economic collapse before the war began.

2015–2025 · $10B · 2 US deaths

The Yemen War (2015-present) represents the most consequential and least understood American military involvement of the 21st century. Since March 2015, the United States has served as the primary enabler of a Saudi Arabian-led coalition bombing campaign that has killed an estimated 377,000 people — 60% from indirect causes including famine, disease, and lack of medical care — and created what the United Nations has called the world's worst humanitarian crisis. American involvement includes 4.6 billion in arms sales to Saudi Arabia and the UAE, mid-air refueling of Saudi bombers (until November 2018), sharing of targeting intelligence, maintenance of Saudi aircraft, naval support for the coalition's blockade, and diplomatic cover at the United Nations Security Council. U.S.-manufactured bombs and aircraft have been documented striking hospitals, schools, weddings, funerals, water treatment facilities, and a school bus carrying 40 children. Despite bipartisan congressional opposition — including passage of a War Powers Resolution to end U.S. involvement that was vetoed by President Trump — American support has continued through four presidential administrations (Obama, Trump, Biden, and Trump again). The war has no congressional authorization, serves no vital American national security interest, and has demonstrably violated U.S. laws prohibiting arms transfers to countries that systematically target civilians.

2023–2025 · $4.6B · Covert

Operation Prosperity Guardian — US-led coalition to protect Red Sea shipping from Houthi attacks after October 2023 Gaza war. The most intense naval combat the US Navy has faced since World War II. Over 200 Houthi attacks on commercial and military vessels. US/UK launched 931+ airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen starting January 2024. Multiple carrier strike groups deployed including USS Eisenhower and USS Dwight D. Eisenhower battle groups. $1 billion+ in munitions expended. Suez Canal traffic dropped 50%, insurance premiums tripled, and global economic disruption exceeded $100 billion. B-2 Spirit stealth bombers deployed against underground Houthi bunkers. Zero US combat deaths but multiple close calls including drone near-misses on destroyers. Cost at least $4.5 billion through 2025.

1953–1953 · $11M · Covert

CIA-MI6 coup overthrowing democratically elected Prime Minister Mossadegh to protect British oil interests. Installed Shah Pahlavi.