Pentagon asks for $67 billion more as Iran war costs $37.5 billion so far
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the war against Iran has cost $37.5 billion so far and requested an additional $67 billion to continue fighting.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told Congress on Tuesday that the months-long US-led war on Iran has cost an estimated $37.5 billion to date. He requested nearly double that amount to continue combat operations, testifying before the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Both Democrats and Republicans grilled Hegseth and General Dan Caine on the war's cost and the lack of results. Senator Gary Peters said: "Secretary Hegseth, despite your failure to win this war, you are back before Congress asking for almost $70 billion in additional funding."
Hegseth argued that an extra $67 billion is needed to replenish weapons stockpiles. Analysis shows the US has depleted significant stocks of powerful munitions. Stockpiles of at least four systems – Patriot, THAAD, Standard Missile-3, and Precision Strike Missiles – are now at 50% or less of pre-war levels.
The economic impact is felt domestically. Fuel prices have surged, with some states like California seeing nearly 100% increases. Americans have paid over $72 billion in extra petrol and diesel costs since the war began, about $549 per household.
The human toll includes at least 18 US service members killed and about 500 wounded. Globally, petrol prices and living costs are rising.
Hegseth warned that without additional funding, the US would face critical shortfalls threatening the ability to pay troops and replenish equipment.
