The United States’ military campaign against Iran has cost an estimated $37.5 billion so far, according to US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who presented the figure during a Senate hearing in Washington.
Hegseth said the estimate includes both expenditures already incurred and projected costs through September 30, as the Pentagon seeks additional funding to sustain military operations.
However, he did not provide a detailed breakdown of how the department calculated the total cost.
Pentagon Requests Additional Funding
The latest estimate comes as the Pentagon asks Congress to approve additional funding for the conflict.
Last month, President Donald Trump requested nearly $90 billion in supplemental funding, with most of the proposed allocation linked to military operations involving Iran.
Separately, the Pentagon is also seeking approval for a $1.5 trillion defense budget for fiscal year 2027, arguing that increased funding is necessary to maintain military readiness and national security.
Lawmakers Voice Concerns
The hearing marked Hegseth’s first appearance before Congress since large-scale military operations resumed against Iran.
Lawmakers from both parties questioned the administration’s handling of the conflict and expressed concern over its financial and strategic consequences, particularly with the US midterm elections approaching.
Democratic Senator Patty Murray criticized the administration’s approach, arguing that lawmakers had not been adequately informed about the conflict or its long-term objectives.
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand also questioned what she described as inconsistent messaging from the administration regarding the duration and scope of military operations.
Several Republican lawmakers have likewise voiced frustration in recent months over the limited flow of information from the administration.
US-Iran Conflict Enters Ninth Day
Military Operations Strain Defense Budget
Hegseth warned lawmakers that, without additional funding, the Pentagon may have to reduce military training and delay other defense priorities.
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine said the military would continue paying service members but acknowledged that budget constraints could affect equipment maintenance and investment in future defense capabilities.
According to Hegseth, fully funding the proposed $1.5 trillion defense budget is essential to maintaining the country’s military strength.
Conflict Continues Despite Ceasefire Efforts
A fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran collapsed earlier this month, with both countries resuming daily military strikes.
According to the Pentagon, 18 US service members have been killed since the conflict began, while approximately 430 troops have been injured.
The Defense Department said 100 additional service members were injured after July 7, although 96% have since returned to active duty.
Regional Tensions Remain High
The conflict has continued to escalate in recent weeks.
President Trump has publicly discussed the possibility of expanding military operations to additional strategic targets inside Iran, including energy infrastructure and other key facilities.
On Tuesday, he also indicated that the United States could target Iran’s underground Pickaxe Mountain nuclear-linked facility in the near future.
As fighting continues, the rising financial cost of the conflict, combined with growing political debate in Washington, is expected to remain a major issue for the US administration and Congress in the months ahead.
