Iran war has cost US $37.5bn so far, Hegseth says
BBC News 2026-07-21 22:49:20
Context: US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has stated that the ongoing war with Iran has cost the US approximately $37.5 billion so far, with Hegseth seeking an urgent funding boost of $87 billion for his department, primarily for operations in the Middle East. The request was made during a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing, which was interrupted by anti-war protesters. The hearing took place after three US soldiers were killed in the Middle East, and amid escalating hostilities between the US and Iran.
Key Facts
- The US war with Iran has cost approximately $37.5 billion so far, an increase of nearly $8 billion since the last estimate in May, according to Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.
- Hegseth is seeking $87 billion in congressional funding for his department, with $67 billion of that destined for operations in the Middle East.
- The Defence Secretary warned that without the urgent funding boost, military training would have to be curtailed, and critical investments would be needed to prevent adversaries from outpacing the US.
- The Senate Appropriations Committee hearing was interrupted several times by anti-war protesters, with some shouting "stop bombing our children in Iran and Palestine".
- The US launched a 10th consecutive day of strikes on Monday, and Iran retaliated with strikes of its own against the US and its allies in the Middle East, following a breakdown in the ceasefire agreed in April.