Iran War Tops $37.5 Billion, Hegseth Seeks $88 Billion More

India-West News Desk

WASHINGTON, DC- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on July 21 urged Congress to approve nearly $88 billion in emergency defense funding, telling lawmakers the U.S.-Israel war against Iran has already cost $37.5 billion.

Appearing before the Senate Appropriations Committee alongside Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine, Hegseth said the Pentagon needs the funding to sustain operations, replenish equipment and maintain military readiness.

His testimony followed the deaths of three American service members. Nearly 100 troops have also been wounded, most with minor injuries.

“Without these funds, we face critical shortfalls,” he said, warning they would affect troop pay, munitions replenishment and military operations.

About $67.1 billion of the request would directly support the Iran campaign. Hegseth said $21 billion would restore readiness through troop pay, equipment replacement and fuel, while $46 billion would expand production of solid rocket motors, Joint Direct Attack Munitions, hypersonic weapons and counter-drone systems.

Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) the committee’s vice chair questioned both the cost of the war and the administration’s changing objectives. She warned the conflict risked becoming “another forever war.”

Republican lawmakers were also not happy about the administration’s strategy. Committee Chair Susan Collins of Maine and Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana, also had difficult questions on the war that has become increasingly unpopular with the voting public.

Lawmakers also challenged the administration over its decision not to seek explicit congressional authorization for the military campaign.

The hearing also highlighted questions over the Pentagon’s accounting of the war’s cost. Lawmakers noted that Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought had previously estimated the conflict’s cost at about $30 billion. House Democrats also accused the Defense Department of missing a deadline to provide detailed spending figures and disclose remaining precision-guided munitions.