The Pentagon, State Department, and USAID inspectors general are initiating a comprehensive review of Operation Epic Fury, the U.S. military's operations against Iran, as mandated by law. Department of War Inspector General Platte Moring has been appointed as the lead inspector general for this oversight, with Arne Baker, the acting State Department inspector general, serving as the associate lead. They are tasked with developing a joint strategic oversight plan, aiming to produce the first quarterly report on the Iran war this fall.
This review is required by the Inspector General Act, which mandates the appointment of a lead inspector general for military operations lasting longer than 60 days. It is separate from the War Powers Resolution, which requires Congressional authorization for military operations after 60 days. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) recently called for this oversight appointment.
The U.S. military's strikes on Iran began on February 28 and continued until President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire on April 7. During this period, over 13,000 strikes were conducted against various Iranian military targets. Iranian retaliatory attacks resulted in the deaths of seven American service members, with incidents occurring in Kuwait, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia.
Acting Pentagon Comptroller Jay Hurst reported that the war has cost approximately $29 billion to date, excluding potential repair costs for U.S. bases in the region, which will be included in future funding requests. Hurst emphasized the need to assess the U.S. military posture in the Middle East moving forward.
