U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said to a Senate committee that the war on Iran has cost $37.5 billion [1] so far.
The request for additional funds comes as the Pentagon seeks to sustain military operations in a volatile region. Any failure to secure these resources could compromise the strategic objectives of the U.S. military and weaken the nation's posture against regional adversaries.
During a hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., Hegseth said the Pentagon needs approximately $87.6 billion [2] in additional funding. Some reports have characterized this request as nearly $90 billion [1].
Hegseth said the additional funding is required to continue the military effort against Iran. He said that providing anything less than the requested amount would jeopardize U.S. national security [3].
The funding request arrives as lawmakers evaluate the long-term financial and strategic costs of the conflict. The disparity between the current spending and the requested increase highlights a significant escalation in the projected resource requirements for the campaign.
Throughout the hearing, the Defense Secretary said that the current budget is insufficient to meet the operational demands of the theater. He said the requested funds are essential for maintaining the current pace of operations, and ensuring the safety of U.S. personnel.
“The war on Iran has cost $37.5 billion so far.”
The request for $87.6 billion, more than double the total spent to date, suggests a shift toward a more resource-intensive phase of the conflict. By framing the budget as a requirement for national security, the Pentagon is placing significant pressure on Congress to approve a substantial spending increase despite the high cost of previous operations.
