U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Tuesday that the cost of the military campaign against Iran has reached $37.5 billion. It was the Pentagon chief's first public appearance before lawmakers since the resumption of large-scale bombings, as the administration seeks emergency funding for the conflict, according to infohub.kz.
Hegseth said the figure includes costs already incurred and projected expenses through September 30. The Pentagon did not disclose the detailed calculation method. Earlier, a Reuters source reported that the first six days of combat may have cost the U.S. at least $11.3 billion.
The administration of President Donald Trump has already requested nearly $90 billion in additional funding from Congress, much of it linked to the war in Iran. However, the initiative has faced resistance from both Democrats and some Republicans, especially with midterm elections approaching.
Critics accuse the White House of a lack of transparency and fear the conflict could drag on. Democratic Senator Patty Murray said the president's statements about possible escalation and strikes on civilian infrastructure raise concerns about the war's trajectory.
"People are unhappy with this administration because previous statements don't match reality," said Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, pointing to conflicting reports about the timeline for ending the operation.
Hegseth warned lawmakers that without additional funding, the Pentagon would have to cut military training. He said the funding shortfall could affect not only current operations but also long-term U.S. defense capabilities.
Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Dan Caine acknowledged that the war is putting additional strain on the Pentagon budget, which is already approaching $1 trillion. He noted that the department may find it difficult to simultaneously pay troops, sustain current operations, and invest in future projects.
Hegseth also urged Congress to approve a $1.5 trillion defense budget for fiscal year 2027, calling inadequate Pentagon funding "the biggest threat to the country."
Meanwhile, fighting continues. After a fragile ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran collapsed, both sides resumed striking each other. According to the Pentagon, the number of U.S. service members killed has reached 18, with about 430 wounded.
Tensions escalated after Trump threatened to expand the list of targets in Iran to include energy facilities and bridges, and to consider a ground operation to seize an oil terminal on Kharg Island. The president also stated his intention to destroy a deep underground nuclear facility known as Mount Pikax.