The real cost of the war with Iran

NPR | By Debbie Elliott,

Henry Larson, Sarah Robbins

Published July 25, 2026 at 5:04 PM EDT

NPR's Debbie Elliot speaks with Linda Bilmes, professor at the Harvard Kennedy School and expert of budgeting and public finance, about why the war between the U.S. and Iran has become so expensive.

Debbie Elliott

NPR National Correspondent Debbie Elliott can be heard telling stories from her native South. She covers the latest news and politics, and is attuned to the region's rich culture and history.

Henry Larson

Sarah Robbins

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