Hegseth Says Iran War Has Cost US $37.5 Billion as Senate Scrutinizes Pentagon Spending

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told lawmakers on Tuesday that the ongoing war with Iran has cost the United States $37.5 billion so far, offering the latest official estimate as he defended the Trump administration’s request for billions more in emergency military funding during a tense Senate hearing.

Appearing before the Senate Appropriations Committee, Hegseth said the conflict’s cost has risen by nearly $8 billion since the Pentagon’s previous public estimate in May. The updated figure includes operational expenses, maintenance, military personnel costs and projected spending through the end of the current fiscal year.

Hegseth urged Congress to approve an emergency supplemental defense package of roughly $87.6 billion, warning that without additional funding the Pentagon could face serious shortfalls affecting troop pay, military training, weapons procurement and readiness. He described the request as essential to sustaining U.S. operations against Iran and protecting American interests in the Middle East.

The hearing was marked by sharp questioning from both Republicans and Democrats, many of whom demanded greater transparency about the administration’s long-term strategy, the rising financial burden of the conflict and the legal basis for continued military operations. Several lawmakers expressed concern that Congress has yet to receive a comprehensive roadmap outlining how the war will be concluded.

General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, also testified, acknowledging that airstrikes alone may not be enough to achieve all U.S. objectives against Iran. While declining to discuss operational details, he indicated that military planners continue to evaluate a range of options as the conflict evolves.

The hearing was repeatedly interrupted by anti-war protesters who criticized the administration’s handling of the conflict and called for an end to U.S. military operations. Capitol security officers escorted demonstrators from the hearing room after several disruptions.

The updated cost estimate comes as the human toll of the conflict continues to grow. Pentagon officials recently confirmed that 17 American service members have been killed and more than 100 injured since the latest phase of fighting began earlier this month. The casualties have intensified debate in Washington over the duration and objectives of the campaign.

Outside Congress, the conflict continues to have broader economic consequences. Rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have contributed to higher global oil prices and renewed concerns over international energy supplies, while shipping companies and insurers continue to monitor security risks in the region.

The Senate hearing underscored growing political divisions over the war. Supporters of the administration argue that additional funding is necessary to maintain military pressure on Iran and protect U.S. allies, while critics contend that the financial and human costs are mounting without a clearly defined endgame.

Congress is expected to debate the supplemental funding request in the coming weeks. The outcome will shape not only the Pentagon’s ability to sustain operations but also the future direction of U.S. involvement in one of the Middle East’s most volatile conflicts.