Hegseth Says Iran War Has Cost US $37.5bn

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told lawmakers on Tuesday that the cost of the war in Iran had reached $37.5bn, including certain expenses already incurred and projected costs through 30 September.

The figure drew criticism from Democratic and Republican lawmakers, who accused President Donald Trump’s administration of failing to explain either how the estimate was calculated or what its strategy for the conflict was.

The dispute comes six months before the midterm elections, with the administration seeking nearly $90bn in additional funding, most of it related to the Iran war, as well as a $1.5tn defense budget for 2027.

Hegseth warned that military training would have to be curtailed without an urgent funding increase. General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the Pentagon could also struggle to cover maintenance costs and investment in future capabilities.

A fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran collapsed earlier this month, and both sides have since resumed daily strikes. The number of US troops killed in the conflict has risen to 18, while about 430 have been wounded.

(Reuters, Max)