FDD Visuals
32°N 53°E

TOTAL IRAN
ECONOMIC
DAMAGE ESTIMATE

Apr 23, 2026

FDD’s first model-based estimate of Iran's economic losses to date due to Operation Epic Fury are $144 billion, or 40 percent of pre-war GDP. With ceasefire talks underway, the economic cost to Iran is a critical part of the negotiating picture.

Low Estimate
$49.9B
13.9%
of Iranian GDP
Most Likely Estimate
$144.0B
40.0%
of Iranian GDP
High Estimate
$299.2B
83.1%
of Iranian GDP
Scroll to explore
// ANALYST NOTE

METHODOLOGY

PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT — SUBJECT TO REVISION

The model draws on two estimates — hydrocarbon revenue losses and physical replacement costs — each capturing a different dimension of economic harm. Within each component, the model produces low, most likely, and high estimates.

// SECTION I

HYDROCARBON
REVENUE LOSS

Combined damage across crude oil, natural gas, and petrochemical revenue streams.
Covers disruptions from naval blockade, infrastructure strikes, and export collapse.

Low Scenario
$19B
Crude oil · Natural gas · Petrochemicals
Most Likely Scenario
$53B
Crude oil · Natural gas · Petrochemicals
High Scenario
$103B
Crude oil · Natural gas · Petrochemicals
Component Low ($M) Most likely ($M) High ($M)
SUBTOTAL $19,089M $52,880M $103,284M
// SECTION II

PHYSICAL
REPLACEMENT COST

Category Low ($M) Most likely ($M) High ($M)
SUBTOTAL $30,800M $91,125M $195,900M
// SECTION III

TOTAL ECONOMIC
DAMAGE

Low
$49.9B
13.9% of GDP
Minimal strike damage, rapid export recovery, short blockade duration.
USD 49,889M · Revenue Loss $19,089M · Replacement Cost $30,800M
Most likely
$144.0B
40.0% of GDP
Sustained blockade (~12 months), significant infrastructure destruction, 5% gas retention.
USD 144,005M · Revenue Loss $52,880M · Replacement Cost $91,125M
High
$299.2B
83.1% of GDP
Extended disruption, near-total export collapse, comprehensive facility destruction.
USD 299,184M · Revenue Loss $103,284M · Replacement Cost $195,900M
// SCOPE & EXCLUSIONS

CAVEATS

Excluded from this model

  • Reconstruction financing costs
  • Human capital losses
  • Proxy force reconstitution costs
  • FDI deterrence effects
  • Agricultural sector losses
  • Historical sites & cultural heritage
  • Human casualties

Methodology Note

Economic analysis of Iran is always difficult, especially during an armed conflict. This model represents conservative estimates based on public sources and the authors' calculations. We will update and revise this model as new information becomes available and as the situation evolves. Where uncertainty is wide, we have erred on the side of caution — true costs are likely higher than the figures presented here.

Read More Evaluating the Economic Damage to Iran From Operation Epic Fury