US War in Iran Costs $37.5 Billion, Pentagon Reports

The United States' military engagement in Iran has incurred costs of approximately $37.5 billion, according to U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. This figure represents an increase of nearly $8 billion since the previous public estimate and includes anticipated expenses through September 30.

Hegseth disclosed the cost during a hearing before lawmakers in Washington. The exact methodology for calculating the $37.5 billion remains unclear. Earlier this year, Hegseth had alerted lawmakers to the potential need for curtailing military training without an urgent funding boost.

“

The United States’ war in Iran has cost $37.5 billion so far, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Tuesday, an increase of nearly $8 billion since ​the last public estimate.

This marks the first public questioning Hegseth has faced from lawmakers since U.S. military operations against Iran resumed earlier this month. The hearing occurred as Democrats aim to leverage public opinion polls, which show them gaining ground ahead of midterm elections, by linking the unpopular Iran war to affordability concerns.

“

Hegseth told lawmakers at a hearing in Washington that the ‌figure included certain aspects of the war as well as anticipated costs through September 30.

A fragile ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran collapsed earlier this month, leading to daily strikes by both sides. The number of U.S. troops killed in the conflict has risen to 17, with officials investigating the status of another soldier missing after a strike on a base in Jordan. Two of the fatalities were confirmed following an Iranian attack on U.S. personnel in Jordan.

Roughly 430 U.S. troops have been injured since the conflict began in late February. The Pentagon reported on Monday that 100 service members were injured since July 7, with 96% having returned to duty. It is uncertain how many of these recent injuries were included in the 430 figure in the Pentagon's public database.

“

With just six months before midterm elections in which Trump’s Republicans may face an uphill battle to keep their House majority, Democrats are riding high ​in public opinion polls as they attempt to link the unpopular Iran war with affordability.

In recent days, President Trump has indicated a willingness to expand targets in Iran, including energy plants and bridges. He has also threatened to deploy ground forces to seize Iran's Kharg Island oil hub and bomb a subterranean nuclear-related site known as Pickaxe Mountain. On Tuesday, Trump stated that the U.S. would "pretty soon" target the mountain facility.

“

The number of U.S. troops killed in the war on Iran rose to 17 over the weekend, while officials are examining the remains of another soldier missing following a strike on a base in Jordan.