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US Defense Secretary grilled on Iran war costs, troop deaths, and testosterone policy

From ABC Australia · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated the war in Iran has cost $37.5 billion, with anticipated costs through September 30.
  • This marks Hegseth's first public questioning by lawmakers since military operations against Iran resumed this month.
  • Senators expressed concern over the escalating costs and the potential for the conflict to become a "forever war."

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced pointed questions from lawmakers regarding the escalating costs and objectives of the ongoing military operations in Iran. Hegseth informed the Senate Appropriations Committee that the war has so far incurred $37.5 billion in expenses, with an additional nearly $8 billion increase since the last public estimate. These figures include anticipated costs up to September 30.

This war is now spiralling out of control again.

— Senator Patty MurrayDuring a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing, Senator Patty Murray expressed alarm over the escalating conflict in Iran.

This hearing was significant as it marked Hegseth's first public appearance before Congress to answer questions from lawmakers since the U.S. military recommenced operations against Iran earlier this month. He appeared alongside General Dan Caine, chairman of the joint chiefs of staff.

Senators, particularly Democrats, voiced strong concerns about the financial burden and the potential for the conflict to become protracted. Senator Patty Murray, the top Democrat on the panel, warned that the conflict with Iran "could be another forever war," especially as President Trump has repeatedly suggested a deal is near while simultaneously requesting substantial additional funding. "He has told us over 40 times now that a deal is near, and the war will be over soon," Murray stated. "But now, he's asking for $70 billion more, and for us to just trust him, it'll all work out fine."

He has told us over 40 times now that a deal is near, and the war will be over soon. But now, he's asking for $70 billion more, and for us to just trust him, it'll all work out fine.

— Senator Patty MurraySenator Murray questioned President Trump's repeated assurances about a swift resolution to the Iran conflict while requesting significant additional funding.

The hearing also touched upon a proposed $95 billion budget package by Republicans, intended to fund the military, aid farmers, and enact voting law changes. War funding constitutes the largest portion of this package, which Republicans aim to pass before the upcoming midterm elections. Despite public disapproval of President Trump's handling of the Iran situation, evidenced by rising gas prices and dwindling U.S. munitions, Trump has shown no inclination to de-escalate, and Republican lawmakers have largely refrained from challenging his strategy.

The commander in chief and the whole Department of War are working very hard to bring this to a resolution.

— House Speaker Mike JohnsonHouse Speaker Mike Johnson commented on the administration's efforts to resolve the conflict in Iran.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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