Hegseth Puts Iran War Cost at $37.5 Billion, Seeks Additional $67 Billion
6 verified7 unconfirmed
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told the Senate Appropriations Committee that the U.S. war with Iran has cost $37.5 billion so far and requested an additional $67 billion to continue military operations. Hegseth faced questioning from lawmakers as the conflict intensified after a ceasefire fell apart on July 8. Three U.S. service members were recently killed in the fighting, and the U.S. military has conducted strikes for 11 consecutive nights, according to Central Command. Hegseth said the $37.5 billion figure includes payroll, operations, maintenance and other anticipated costs through the end of the budget year. Democratic senators criticized the cost and lack of progress, with Sen. Patty Murray warning of “another forever war.” The Pentagon is seeking the supplemental funding on top of $891 billion already approved for the current fiscal year.
What’s verified
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated the Iran war has cost $37.5 billion so far.
He asked Congress for $67 billion in additional funding.
The war resumed after a ceasefire fell apart on July 8.
Three U.S. service members were recently killed in the conflict.
U.S. Central Command has conducted strikes for 11 consecutive nights.
Hegseth testified before the Senate Appropriations Committee, facing criticism from Democratic senators over cost and strategy.
Not yet confirmed
An internal Pentagon estimate of $80 billion to $100 billion for total war costs, including base repairs and weapons replacement, was reported by a single source.
A Republican proposal for a $95 billion military funding package was mentioned by one source.
Explosions were reported in Tehran for the first time since the latest escalation, according to one source.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s comments on possible talks with Iran came from a single source.
A potential nuclear agreement between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia was reported by one source.
The total U.S. death toll was given as 17 by one source.
Opinion polls on public criticism of President Trump’s handling of the war were cited by one source.
Key figures
Pete Hegseth, U.S. Secretary of Defense
Gen. Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich.
Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash.
Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State
