Pentagon calls for $200 billion for Iran war

The Pentagon has asked the White House to approve a congressional request for more than 200 billion dollars to fund the war in Iran. According to officials, this is a massive package that would far exceed current costs and would focus primarily on increasing production of weapons consumed during the conflict.

The proposal, according to the Washington Post, comes at a time when the cost of the war is rising rapidly. Already in the first week, costs exceeded 11 billion dollars. The administration began preparing additional funding shortly after the start of the US–Israeli campaign in late February.

Yet even before the Iran war, Trump had called for a defence budget of 1.5 trillion dollars, an increase of more than 50 per cent on the previous year.

It is unclear, however, what amount the White House will ultimately submit to Congress. According to some officials, the plan has little chance of passage. A major political row is expected, as public support for the war is weak and Democrats have criticised it. Republicans, while signalling support, have not yet presented a clear strategy.

The defence ministry under Pete Hegseth has prepared a number of funding options, with the aim of addressing the shortage of precision munitions and strengthening the defence industry. Experts warn that even with approval of the funding, the speed of production may be an issue.

(max)