U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told the Senate Appropriations Committee on Tuesday that the financial cost of the war in Iran has reached approximately $37.5 billion. This figure, which includes anticipated costs through September 30, is an increase from the $25 billion estimate provided by Pentagon officials in late April. During the combative hearing, it remained unclear how the Pentagon arrived at the current $37.5 billion figure.
Hegseth, appearing alongside Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine, argued for an urgent and necessary injection of funds. The officials are seeking a $1.5 trillion defense budget, which would include $70 billion specifically for the war in Iran. Hegseth testified that this proposed budget would be a necessary investment.
These funding requests come as the U.S. military strikes Iran for the 11th consecutive night, following the restart of operations earlier this month. In response to these needs, Republicans are preparing a $95 billion package to fund the military along with other White House priorities.