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Hegseth Puts Official Cost of US-Iran War at $37.5 Billion — US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testifies during a Senate Committee on Appropriations hearing in Washington, DC

Editorial Team

Pentagon chief and Joint Chiefs chairman seek $1.5 trillion defense budget with $70 billion for Iran operations

United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has confirmed that the US-Israel war on Iran has cost $37.5 billion so far, testifying before the Senate appropriations committee on Tuesday as part of a broader push for a $1.5 trillion defense budget. The figure, disclosed during questioning by Democratic Senator Dick Durbin, includes operations and maintenance costs extending through the end of September, though Hegseth did not provide further specifics on how the total was calculated.

The disclosure comes as Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine requested nearly $70 billion specifically for the Iran war within a sprawling $1.5 trillion defense budget proposal. The official Pentagon estimate remains significantly lower than independent assessments, with Moody's Analytics estimating the domestic cost to US consumers could reach up to $150 billion when factors such as higher energy prices are included.

Key Developments

The $37.5 billion figure marks an $8 billion increase from the previous official estimate of $29 billion released by the Trump administration in May. Hegseth appeared before the committee as active hostilities continued, following the collapse last week of a memorandum of understanding that had halted attacks since June 17.

During the hearing, Hegseth highlighted strains on US weapons stockpiles from the conflict, which the US and Israel launched on February 28. He said funding was needed "to expand production lines and accelerate delivery of high-demand munitions. We're talking about solid rocket motors, JDAMs, hypersonics, and counter-drone capabilities."

The Pentagon chief also warned of a pending budget crunch, stating that "training in the future would have to be curtailed if we do not get our budget needs met and met urgently."

Escalating Conflict

On Monday, ahead of the 10th consecutive night of US strikes, President Donald Trump said Iran would "pay" after two more US soldiers were killed over the weekend. Over the past week, Trump has threatened to target energy plants and bridges in Iran, send ground forces to seize Iran's Kharg Island, and bomb a deep-underground nuclear-linked site known as Pickaxe Mountain.

Attacks have so far focused on sites Iran uses to assert influence over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments. Iran has pledged to continue striking US assets in the region. The latest round of strikes saw desalination and power plants set ablaze in Kuwait, along with other sites hit in Bahrain and Jordan. Iran's close allies, the Houthis in Yemen, have declared a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia.

Congressional Scrutiny

Democratic Senator Patty Murray questioned the scope of the budget request, which also included funding for National Guard deployment in Washington, DC, US operations against alleged drug smugglers in the Caribbean, and military patrols of the US border. "So I'll be blunt," Murray said. "The truth is, your request does not make a lot of sense."

Hegseth's testimony came as the administration seeks to replenish depleted munitions stockpiles while sustaining ongoing military operations across multiple theaters. The Pentagon chief emphasized the urgency of securing the requested budget to maintain operational readiness and avoid cuts to training programs.

What Lies Ahead

The $1.5 trillion defense budget request now faces scrutiny in Congress, where lawmakers from both parties have raised questions about its size and scope. Meanwhile, hostilities between the US and Iran continue with no indication of a ceasefire, after the collapse of the June 17 memorandum of understanding. Additional official cost estimates and operational updates are expected as the budget review process continues.