The price of the US war in Iran has risen to $37.5 billion, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth told lawmakers on Tuesday as opposition to the war grows within the country and among the public.
Hegseth’s statement during a hearing in Washington includes current military spending plus projected spending through Sept. 30.
It didn’t say how the estimate was reached, but previous reports indicated that the first six days of the conflict were estimated at $11.3 billion or more.
The funding debate coincides with the US midterm elections in just a few months, as Democrats aim to draw a connection between the high price of war and economic issues and higher prices.
Last month, President Donald Trump called for an extra nearly $90 billion, primarily tied to military efforts against Iran.
Read more: Iran ‘surrenders’ to neighbour countries after relentless US-Israel strikes: Trump
Members of Congress from both sides criticised the administration’s lack of adequate information to Congress about the conflict.
Democratic senators Patty Murray and Kirsten Gillibrand challenged the administration’s often-contradictory public positions on the war and its dangers of further escalation.
Without immediate investment, Hegseth warned the Pentagon might have to cut down on military training, and may struggle to ensure the equipment and invest in future defence needs.
He also called for Congress’s approval of the administration’s proposed $1.5 trillion defence budget for 2027, which he said is vital to national security.
A ceasefire that broke earlier this month between the United States and Iran has left the war alive, as the two countries continue to fight.
The Pentagon confirmed there are now 18 US troops dead and approximately 430 wounded.
President Trump has also indicated he is open to further military action, such as attacks on other strategic targets within Iran.
Also read: Saudi Arabia issues warning to Iran if attacks continue amid US Iran war
