The United States’ war in Iran has cost $37.5 billion, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told skeptical senators on Tuesday. His appearance marked the first major congressional questioning since heavy US bombings resumed this month.
Hegseth said the estimate covers certain war expenses and anticipated costs through September 30. However, he did not explain how the Pentagon calculated it. Reuters reported in March that the Trump administration estimated the first six days alone had cost at least $11.3 billion.
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President Donald Trump asked Congress last month for $87.6 billion in additional funding. The request directs $67.15 billion to the military, mostly for Iran-related operations, personnel, readiness, weapons stocks and classified programmes.
Lawmakers Challenge Trump’s War Strategy
Republican and Democratic lawmakers have complained about limited briefings since the US and Israel began bombing Iran on February 28. The dispute comes six months before midterm elections. Republicans face an uphill fight to retain both chambers, while Democrats, polling strongly, link the unpopular war to rising living costs.
“The president is threatening escalation and war crimes, and suggesting this could be another forever war,” Senator Patty Murray said. Trump has threatened Iranian civilian infrastructure, actions that critics say could violate international law.
Democratic Senator Kirsten Gillibrand also challenged the administration’s shifting statements. “The reason why they (people) are so upset with you and this administration is because the words you have used in the past don’t add up,” she said. “It’s either over, or it’s not over. It’s within two weeks, or it’s not two weeks, it’s either missiles or it’s not missiles.”
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Republicans hold narrow House and Senate majorities. As a result, major appropriations bills usually require Democratic votes.
Pentagon Warns Training and Readiness Could Suffer
Hegseth said the military would curtail training without urgent new funding. The conflict has strained the Pentagon’s nearly $1 trillion budget and could affect personnel costs, equipment maintenance and future capabilities.
Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine said the Pentagon would find money to pay service members. However, he warned that maintenance and long-term investments could face pressure.
Hegseth also urged Congress to approve Trump’s $1.5 trillion defense budget request for 2027. “Not funding this department at $1.5 trillion, I believe, is the greatest threat that our nation faces,” he said.
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A fragile US-Iran ceasefire collapsed earlier this month, and both sides have since exchanged daily strikes. US military deaths rose to 18 over the weekend, while roughly 430 troops have suffered injuries. The Pentagon said 100 personnel were injured since July 7, although 96% returned to duty.
Trump has threatened strikes on Iranian energy plants and bridges. He has also raised sending ground forces to seize Kharg Island and attacking the underground nuclear-linked Pickaxe Mountain facility. On Tuesday, Trump said the US would take out the mountain site “pretty soon.”
