The cost of the U.S. military engagement in Iran has now reached $37.5 billion, according to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. He briefed Congress amidst growing skepticism, especially with heavy bombings resuming and urgent funding requests being made.
As the midterm elections approach—highlighting the political stakes—Democrats are leveraging public opinion polls that show increased opposition to the Iran conflict to argue for budget reforms. Hegseth explained that the $37.5 billion figure encompasses current expenses and projected costs through September 30. However, how the Pentagon calculated this total remains unclear. In March, sources indicated that the initial six days of the conflict cost at least $11.3 billion.
Last month, Trump’s administration requested nearly $90 billion more in funding, predominantly to support ongoing military operations against Iran, setting the stage for intense debates in Congress. Both parties have criticized the administration for lack of transparency about the conflict’s progression and plans.
Senator Patty Murray, Democrat and top member of the Appropriations Committee, warned that escalation could lead to a prolonged war, citing threats made by Trump that could threaten civilian infrastructure—a move critics argue might constitute war crimes. With Republicans holding slim majorities, passing appropriations bills often requires Democratic support. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand criticized the administration’s conflicting statements about the conflict’s scope and timeline.
Hegseth announced that military readiness could suffer without additional funding. The ongoing war strains the Pentagon’s nearly $1 trillion budget, threatening to impact personnel and maintenance costs. General Dan Caine acknowledged potential financial challenges, emphasizing the necessity of substantial future funding—specifically, a proposed $1.5 trillion budget for 2027—that Hegseth claimed is vital for national security.
A ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran earlier this month collapsed, leading to daily exchanges of strikes. The U.S. troop death toll has risen to 18, with about 430 injured. The Pentagon reported 100 injuries since July 7, nearly all of whom have returned to duty.
In recent weeks, Trump has threatened to expand military targets within Iran, including energy infrastructure and bridges, deploy ground troops to seize Iran’s vital Kharg Island oil facility, and attack an underground nuclear site called Pickaxe Mountain. On Tuesday, Trump stated he plans to target the mountain “pretty soon.”