Six months of US-Israel war on Iran: The numbers that tell the story

Exactly six months ago, the United States and Israel launched their first airstrikes against Iran, assassinating Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in Tehran and striking nuclear and military sites across the country. Those attacks ignited a protracted war, with Iran responding by targeting US forces and infrastructure in Gulf states, while Hezbollah fired rockets into northern Israel.

So far, neither side has gained a decisive advantage. Iran has used its control over the Strait of Hormuz to pressure Washington and global energy markets. The conflict has settled into a stalemate, and months of negotiations have failed to break the impasse.

At least 7,900 killed

According to the latest official figures, at least 4,350 people have been confirmed killed in Lebanon, 3,527 in Iran, and 28 in Gulf states since the war began on February 28. An additional 60 Israelis and 18 US soldiers have died in Iranian attacks. The Pentagon says 757 US personnel have been wounded. The figures are compiled from health ministries and official agencies and may change as the situation evolves.

More than 5,500 attacks

According to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data (ACLED) project, a US-based conflict monitor, the US and Israel have carried out at least 3,580 attacks on Iran since February 28. During the same period, Iran has launched at least 2,053 attacks across the Gulf and the Middle East.

Hormuz: from 100 ships a day to seven

Before the war, at least 100 ships passed through the Strait of Hormuz daily, more than half of them tankers carrying tens of millions of barrels of oil along with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and other petrochemicals. That number collapsed within days of the war's start. After the IRGC declared the strait closed on March 2, average traffic fell to five ships per day and remained there through the April ceasefire and the US blockade of Iranian ports. A temporary deal on June 17 raised the average to 20 ships per day — still only a fifth of normal — before the US resumed its blockade on July 14, dropping traffic back to five ships per day. Over the six-month average, only seven ships a day have passed through the strait.

70 confirmed attacks on ships

According to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), 70 incidents involving ships in the Strait of Hormuz have been confirmed, killing 19 sailors as of August 26.

War has cost the US $37.5 billion — and rising

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the war has so far cost $37.5 billion, up from about $25 billion in late April and $30 billion in July. That figure includes salaries, operating costs, and maintenance, and is projected through the end of the fiscal year on September 30. However, the real number may be higher. US media report that the Pentagon's internal estimates range from $80 billion to $100 billion, including repairing damaged bases, replacing destroyed aircraft, and replenishing weapons stockpiles. The administration has not released a detailed breakdown.

Oil prices up 22% from pre-war levels

Since the war began, Brent crude has risen about 22%, from $72.48 a barrel to $88.58 on August 28. Prices peaked at $120.88 on April 30 — 67% above pre-war levels — after six months of highly volatile trading.

US oil reserves lowest since 1982

The US Strategic Petroleum Reserve has fallen to 290 million barrels, about 41% of its 714 million-barrel capacity — the lowest level since November 1982. Other countries have also released reserves. The US has pledged the largest share of the coordinated release of 400 million barrels on March 11 by 32 members of the International Energy Agency (IEA) — the largest emergency reserve release in history.

Israel still occupies parts of Lebanon

Despite the ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel that took effect on April 17 and was extended on June 26, Israeli forces continue to occupy areas in Lebanon and carry out attacks. Before the ceasefire, Israel had seized nearly a fifth of Lebanese territory — about 2,000 square kilometers. A buffer zone covering about 6% of the country remains in place. Fighting resumed on March 2, after Iran-backed Hezbollah fired rockets into Israel in support of Tehran, three days after the US-Israel war began. Israel responded with a major campaign in Lebanon, killing at least 4,350 people and wounding 12,510, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry.

Trump's approval rating drops to 33%

US President Donald Trump's approval rating has fallen to the lowest level of his presidency. A Reuters/Ipsos poll ending August 24 found 33% of Americans approve of his handling of the White House, while 65% disapprove — matching the lows of December 2017 in his first term. The poll also found that 80% of Americans — including 87% of Democrats and 71% of Republicans — think US involvement in Iran “will last a long time.” Only 16% expect the conflict to end within weeks.