US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the Iran war has cost the United States $37.5 billion so far. He shared the updated estimate during a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on Tuesday.
The latest figure marks a significant increase from the previous estimate of nearly $29 billion reported in mid-May.
Hegseth defended the Pentagon’s request for approximately $67 billion in supplemental funding. He said the additional budget would help cover military expenses related to the Iran conflict through the end of September.
He told lawmakers, “The estimate we have as of today is $37.5 billion.”
Pentagon Calls Funding Request Urgent
General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, joined Hegseth during the hearing.
Both officials described the funding request as urgent and necessary to meet the Defense Department’s operational costs.
However, several lawmakers questioned the need for additional funding.
Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen argued that the Pentagon still had around $75 billion in unspent funds.
She asked, “Why are you asking the American people to absorb the cost of a war they don’t support instead of asking for transfer authority for unspent reconciliation funding?”
In response, Hegseth said the unused funds had already been allocated for other defense priorities.
He explained that the money would support projects such as “Golden Dome for America and hypersonics and other munitions investments.”
Lawmakers Seek More Details on Strategy
The requested funding does not include future costs for rebuilding US military bases in the Middle East.
During the hearing, lawmakers from both political parties pressed defense officials for more information about the administration’s long-term strategy.
Republican Senator John Kennedy called for greater transparency regarding the conflict.
He said, “We need some hard answers and some straight talk,” while questioning the possible consequences if the United States withdrew from the Strait of Hormuz.
Hegseth and General Caine did not provide specific details on whether Iran could impose fees or restrictions on ships passing through the strategic waterway.
The hearing highlighted continued debate in Congress over military spending, funding priorities, and the future direction of US involvement in the Middle East.
