US war with Iran costs $37.5 billion, defense secretary tells Senate

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth revealed to the Senate that the ongoing conflict with Iran has incurred an estimated cost of $37.5 billion. This figure represents an $8.5 billion increase from the Pentagon's previous calculation in early May, highlighting the escalating financial burden of a war that has already lasted longer than anticipated.

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the latest Pentagon estimate places the cost of the war with Iran at $37.5 billion, compared to the $29 billion calculated in early May.

Hegseth appeared before the Senate Appropriations Committee to advocate for increased funding. He requested a total budget of $1.5 trillion for the Pentagon and an additional $70 billion specifically for operations against Iran. During his testimony, he asserted that both China and Russia are providing Iran with support, contributing to its activities.

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China and Russia are helping Iran at different levels and facilitating some of its activities.

The Defense Secretary also addressed the administration's authority for military operations in the Middle East, stating the government believes it possesses the necessary authorization without requiring congressional approval. He further disclosed that U.S. efforts to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz have continued "covertly" since May, facilitating the passage of approximately 500 million barrels of oil.

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the Government considers that it has the necessary authority.

The conflict has seen renewed hostilities following President Trump's declaration ending a ceasefire on July 8. The U.S. military confirmed the death of Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton, killed by an Iranian drone in Iraq. He was among three service members to die recently, with two others, 1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan and Pvt. Isabella Gonzales, killed in Jordan. These are the first U.S. casualties since the ceasefire broke down two weeks prior. At least 17 U.S. service members have died since the initial offensive on February 28, and nearly 100 have been injured in the past two weeks, complicating peace negotiations.

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the U.S. military effort to guide ships through the Strait of Hormuz has continued 'covertly' since May and has helped facilitate the passage of up to 500 million barrels of oil.