The US Defence Department plans to seek about $80 billion from Congress to cover costs linked to the Iran war and other military expenses, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.
The request comes as the conflict enters its fifth month and lawmakers debate both its financial cost and legal basis.
The newspaper reported on Thursday that Deputy Defence Secretary Stephen Feinberg shared the funding proposal with lawmakers this week. The report cited people familiar with the discussions.
Pentagon officials have warned that military operations could face funding shortages in the coming months unless Congress approves a new wartime spending bill.
The proposal has also intensified political pressure on President Donald Trump, who faces criticism from opponents over the cost of the conflict.
Critics argue that billions of taxpayer dollars are flowing into the Middle East while Americans continue to struggle with inflation and high energy costs.
Pentagon Warns of Budget Shortfall
According to The Wall Street Journal, Pentagon leaders have told lawmakers that current funding levels may not be enough to sustain operations.
The report said the military could reduce training activities if additional funding does not arrive soon.
Troop deployments along the US-Mexico border could also face cuts. Those forces currently support Trump’s immigration enforcement policies.
A source cited by the newspaper said part of the proposed $80 billion package would fund munitions, military personnel and naval operations.
The Pentagon reported last month that direct costs related to the Iran war had reached nearly $29 billion.
However, Democrats and other critics argue that the true cost is significantly higher. They point to economic losses, military damage and long-term obligations linked to the conflict.
Questions about US weapons stockpiles have also increased.
Last month, Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao cited the war when explaining a pause in some arms sales to Taiwan.
His comments raised concerns about whether the conflict is placing additional strain on US military inventories.
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth later dismissed suggestions that the United States faces a serious munitions shortage.
Congress Divided Over War Funding
The conflict began after US and Israeli strikes on Tehran in late February.
The fighting quickly spread across the region and disrupted energy markets.
The war has also affected shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil supplies.
Analysts have warned that prolonged instability could place further pressure on crude prices and inflation.
Efforts to end the conflict remain uncertain.
A proposed agreement came under strain after renewed fighting between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement in Lebanon.
Planned talks in Switzerland were later postponed, casting doubt on the immediate prospects for a ceasefire.
The Pentagon’s funding request has also reignited a constitutional debate in Washington.
Several lawmakers have said they will not support additional funding unless Congress formally authorises the war.
Democrats accuse Trump of bypassing Congress when he launched military action against Iran.
They argue that the president violated the Constitution and exceeded his authority.
Lawmakers have pointed to the War Powers Act, which requires presidents to secure congressional approval within 60 days after introducing US forces into hostilities.
That deadline passed weeks ago, according to Democratic lawmakers.
They argue that the administration is now operating outside legal limits.
The White House has not publicly responded to the latest criticism.
The debate over military funding, presidential authority and the long-term cost of the Iran conflict is expected to dominate congressional discussions in the weeks ahead as lawmakers review the Pentagon’s request.
