Iran war has cost US $37.5 billion so far, Hegseth tells Senate as he asks for more funds

During a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth estimated the war with Iran has cost $37.5 billion so far, as Republicans prepare a $95 billion budget package. Hegseth requested additional war funding, calling it an “urgent, necessary” injection of money, and stated, “Without these funds, we face critical shortfalls.” Senator Patty Murray, a Democrat, expressed concerns about “another forever war,” noting that President Trump is requesting $70 billion more despite previous assurances that the war would end soon. The proposed budget also includes funds for national security, farm aid, and voting law changes. The Pentagon reported 17 American service member deaths and over 100 injuries since early July. Senators questioned Hegseth on the war's cost, his leadership, and the department's unspent funds from the previous year.