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Defense Secretary Faces Lawmakers Over War Funding
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testified before Congress on Tuesday, revealing that the United States war in Iran has cost $37.5 billion so far, as he faced lawmakers for the first time since heavy bombardments resumed to request urgent funding for the conflict.
Cost and Funding Context
Hegseth stated that the $37.5 billion figure covers specific aspects of the conflict alongside anticipated expenditures through September 30. Sources previously indicated that the first six days of the conflict alone cost an estimated $11.3 billion.
President Trump asked Congress last month for nearly $90 billion in supplementary funding**, primarily designated for the Iran conflict. Hegseth also urged lawmakers to approve a broader **$1.5 trillion defence budget for 2027, describing any failure to fund the department at that level as “the greatest threat that our nation faces.”
Congressional Pushback
Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers expressed frustration over a lack of information regarding operational plans since joint US and Israeli strikes against Iran commenced on February 28.
Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) warned: “The president is threatening escalation and war crimes, and suggesting this could be another forever war.” Senator Kirsten Gillibrand also criticized the administration’s shifting statements regarding the timeline and scope of military operations.
Casualty Numbers
According to Pentagon figures:
- 18 US troops have been killed since the conflict began
- Approximately 430 have been injured
- 100 service members sustained injuries since July 7
- 96% of injured personnel have returned to active duty
Escalation Risks and Military Pressure
General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, acknowledged that the war has placed significant pressure on the Pentagon’s nearly $1 trillion annual budget, warning of challenges regarding equipment maintenance and long-term investments.
President Trump has recently threatened to expand military targets to include energy plants, bridges, and Iran’s Kharg Island oil terminal, as well as deployment of ground troops. He has also targeted a deep-underground nuclear-linked facility known as Pickaxe Mountain, stating on Tuesday that US forces would strike the site “pretty soon.”
