- US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testified to Congress on Tuesday, stating that the cost of the US-Iran war has reached $37.5 billion and requesting $90 billion in additional funding.
- The US military has been engaged in nightly strikes against Iranian military targets, launching its 10th consecutive night of strikes on Monday.
- US and Iran have been trading strikes for over a week, with Iran also targeting commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
- Hegseth indicated that the actual cost of the conflict might be much higher due to unaccounted expenses like military construction for damaged bases.
- The conflict escalates as the US continues its attacks, with reports of military sites being targeted in northwestern Iran.
- The war began in February 2026, leading to significant military engagements and casualties.
- Sen. Patty Murray warned that the conflict is now spiraling out of control.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testified that the ongoing conflict with Iran has cost the U.S. approximately $37.5 billion so far, with estimates suggesting the actual cost could be higher due to unaccounted expenses like military construction.126
Hegseth stated, "The Pentagon needs $90 billion in additional funding" to sustain military operations. The U.S. has conducted nightly strikes against Iranian military targets, including recent attacks near Tabriz and in Khuzestan province.34
The conflict has escalated, with Iran retaliating against commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, effectively ending a fragile ceasefire. Hegseth noted that 18 U.S. service members have died since the war began in February, with injuries reported from multiple Iranian strikes.5
During a Senate hearing, Sen. Patty Murray warned that the conflict is "spiraling out of control again," while Sen. Gary Peters criticized the administration's strategy as a failure. Hegseth acknowledged that some Iranian ballistic missiles remain intact due to their underground storage, despite significant degradation of Iran's military capabilities.9
The administration is seeking $1.5 trillion in total funding to address military needs globally, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
“Hegseth requested $90 billion in additional funding, but Democratic sources say the actual cost is higher because it excludes military construction for damaged bases. The hearing saw a heated exchange where Sen. Peters called the strategy a failure, drawing a sharp rebuke from Hegseth.”
CBS News
