U.S. Defense Secretary Hegseth says Iran war costs $37.5 B

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testified before the Senate Appropriations Committee, confirming that the U.S. military campaign against Iran has cost $37.5 billion so far, a rise of nearly $8 billion from earlier estimates. The figure includes current expenses and projected costs through 30 September.

During the hearing, Hegseth faced interruptions from protesters demanding an end to the war and was joined by Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins. The Pentagon is seeking a large supplemental appropriation – estimates range from $67 billion to $80 billion – as part of a broader $95 billion Republican budget package that also contains $10 billion for farmer aid and $10 billion for voting‑law changes.

The conflict, which resumed in February 2026, has resulted in 17 U.S. service members killed and more than 100 injured. Lawmakers expressed concern that the war is straining the Pentagon’s budget, with reports that training and equipment funding could be curtailed without the additional money.