US Pentagon to Seek $80 Billion for Iran War, Other Costs

The U.S. Defense Department is preparing to ask Congress for around $80 billion to cover the costs associated with the ongoing war with Iran and other military expenditures, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal. This significant funding request emerges as President Donald Trump faces public backlash for allocating substantial taxpayer funds to the Middle East conflict while Americans grapple with rising oil prices and inflation.

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The military may need to cut back on training and troop deployment along the US-Mexico border as part of Trump's immigration crackdown.

Deputy Defense Secretary Stephen Feinberg reportedly shared the details of this request with lawmakers recently, citing individuals familiar with the discussions. Pentagon officials have expressed concerns that they might exhaust funds for ongoing operations in the coming months unless Congress swiftly passes a new wartime spending bill. The potential consequences include scaling back troop training and deployment along the U.S.-Mexico border, a key focus of the Trump administration's immigration policies.

The cost of the war with Iran has already climbed to nearly $29 billion, according to the Pentagon's figures from last month. However, critics, including Democrats, suggest the actual financial toll, encompassing damages inflicted by Iran, could be considerably higher. Concerns about the war's impact on U.S. weapons stockpiles have also intensified, particularly after Acting U.S. Navy Secretary Hung Cao cited the conflict as a reason for pausing arms sales to Taiwan.

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Pentagon leaders have said they risk running out of money for operations in the coming months unless Congress passes a new wartime spending bill.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has downplayed suggestions of a crisis in munitions stockpiles. Some of the requested $80 billion, if approved, is earmarked for munitions, personnel salaries, and ship operations. The war, which began in late February following U.S.-Israeli strikes on Tehran, has significantly impacted the crude-rich Middle East and disrupted the vital Strait of Hormuz shipping lane. A potential deal to end the conflict faces strain due to renewed fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon and postponed talks in Switzerland. Some lawmakers have stated they will only support additional funding if the conflict receives formal congressional authorization, with Democrats accusing Trump of violating the Constitution by initiating the war without such backing, a deadline for which has long passed.

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Democrats have accused Trump of violating the Constitution by starting the war without Congress's backing.