- U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth estimated the Iran war has cost $37.5 billion, up from a previous estimate of $29 billion in mid-May.
- Hegseth defended a request for $67 billion in supplemental funding for the Pentagon, which he and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff called "urgent" and "necessary" to cover Iran war costs through end of September.
- Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen challenged Hegseth, noting he still has $75 billion in unspent funding and questioning why the American people should absorb the cost of an unpopular war.
- Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the cost of the U.S. war with Iran has risen to $37.5 billion, an $8.5 billion increase from May, and defended a request for $67 billion in supplemental funding described as "urgent" and "necessary".
U.S. Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth announced that the cost of the ongoing war with Iran has escalated to $37.5 billion, a rise of $8.5 billion since May. During a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing, Hegseth defended a request for $67 billion in supplemental funding, stating it is "urgent" and "necessary" to cover military expenses through September.1234789
Senator Jeanne Shaheen challenged Hegseth's request, highlighting that the Pentagon has $75 billion in unspent funds. She questioned, "Why are you asking the American people to absorb the cost of a war they don't support?" Hegseth responded that the unspent funds were "otherwise allocated" for other priorities under the Trump administration.56
The hearing revealed bipartisan frustration over the lack of transparency regarding the war's objectives. Senator John Kennedy emphasized the need for "hard answers and straight talk" about the U.S. strategy in the region. Hegseth warned that without the requested funds, the Pentagon would face "critical shortfalls" affecting service members and military operations.
The war, which began on February 28, has seen escalating costs and ongoing military actions, including recent airstrikes on Iranian targets. Hegseth's testimony marks a pivotal moment as lawmakers demand accountability and clarity on the administration's military strategy.
As the conflict continues, the urgency for funding and strategic clarity remains a pressing concern for both Congress and the American public.
“Hegseth also requested $67 billion in supplemental funding, calling it 'urgent' and 'necessary' to cover Pentagon costs through September. Democratic Senator Shaheen challenged him, noting $75 billion in unspent funds and asking why Americans should pay for an unpopular war.”
livemint.com
