Iran war has cost US $37.5bn so far, Hegseth says, as Pentagon seeks billions more

What the report says

BBC World News reported that US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth told the Senate Appropriations Committee on 21 July that the war with Iran has cost the United States about $37.5bn so far, up nearly $8bn from a May estimate. Hegseth urged senators to approve an additional $87bn for the Pentagon, including $67bn for Middle East operations, saying the money was needed to avoid gaps in pay, training, munitions and ongoing missions.

The hearing in Washington came after the collapse of an April ceasefire and the resumption of US-Iran hostilities last week. BBC reported that the US carried out an 11th straight day of strikes on Tuesday, while Iran has continued attacks on US and allied targets in the region. The session was repeatedly interrupted by anti-war protesters and later escalated into a confrontation between Hegseth and Democratic Senator Gary Peters.

Democrats on the committee challenged the size and purpose of the request. Senator Patty Murray questioned whether the funding package made sense, while Senator Kirsten Gillibrand criticised the administration for seeking large sums for the war as Americans face domestic financial pressures. BBC, citing CBS sources, also reported that some people familiar with the matter believe the actual cost may be higher because the estimate may exclude items such as repairs or construction at damaged US bases.

The request faces political and timing hurdles. BBC noted opposition among most Democrats and unease among some Republican fiscal conservatives, while Congress is nearing a recess that could delay action until September. President Donald Trump separately posted that 18 people have died in the US war with Iran, which he said began on 28 February, and the Pentagon has announced several recent US military deaths in Iraq and Jordan.