Iran War vs Iraq War
Two wars. Two eras. Dramatically different paths. Compare the costs, casualties, politics, and economic impact side by side.
Category
🇮🇷 Iran War (2026)
🇮🇶 Iraq War (2003)
Cost
$50B+
$5B
US Deaths
15
139
US Wounded
303
~500
Civilian Deaths
3,300+
~7,000
Countries Involved
12+
39-nation coalition
Congressional Vote
NO vote
296-133 (H) / 77-23 (S)
Coalition
No formal coalition
39-nation "Coalition of the Willing"
Oil Price Impact
$60 → $108
$25 → $37
Public Support
56% oppose
72% support
First Month — Key Metrics
Cost ($B)
Iran: 50
Iraq: 5
US Deaths
Iran: 15
Iraq: 139
US Wounded
Iran: 303
Iraq: 500
Civilian Deaths
Iran: 3,300
Iraq: 7,000
🇮🇷 Iran War — Key Differences
- • No congressional authorization
- • No international coalition
- • 10× higher first-month cost than Iraq
- • Majority of Americans opposed from day one
- • Oil prices nearly doubled immediately
🇮🇶 Iraq War — For Context
- • Congressional vote: bipartisan support
- • 39-nation coalition at launch
- • 72% public approval initially
- • Lasted 8.5 years, cost $1.1 trillion
- • Support collapsed to ~30% by 2007
Sources & Notes
Iran war data reflects the first month of the 2026 conflict. Iraq war data covers the 2003–2011 conflict. Cost figures include direct military spending only (not long-term veteran care or interest). Civilian casualty figures are conservative estimates from credible sources including the Watson Institute, Iraq Body Count, and Department of Defense records.