U.S. Iran War Costs Reach $37.5 Billion as Pentagon Requests Additional Funding
The financial impact of the escalating U.S. conflict with Iran is growing as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told lawmakers that the war has cost approximately $37.5 billion so far, while the Trump administration seeks billions more in military funding to support ongoing operations and replenish equipment.
Hegseth provided the estimate Tuesday during testimony before the Senate Appropriations Committee, where he and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Dan Caine defended a request for an additional $67 billion in Pentagon funding. The administration says the money is needed to replace weapons used during recent military operations, strengthen readiness, and address potential threats around the world.
The Pentagon’s estimate has faced scrutiny from lawmakers and officials familiar with the spending. Democratic sources and others familiar with the matter told CBS News that the actual cost could be significantly higher because the current figure does not include expenses such as military construction needed to repair damaged bases and other long-term costs.
During questioning from Sen. Richard Durbin, Hegseth said the $37.5 billion figure includes costs expected through the end of the current fiscal year on September 30. A previous Pentagon estimate placed the cost of the conflict at roughly $29 billion in mid-May.
The funding debate comes as fighting between the United States and Iran has intensified. The two countries have exchanged strikes for more than a week after a fragile ceasefire collapsed. Iranian attacks have targeted commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, while the United States has carried out repeated strikes against Iranian military infrastructure.
The conflict has also resulted in American casualties. Officials said 18 U.S. service members have been killed since the war began in February, including three soldiers following an Iranian attack in Jordan and another service member killed during an operation involving an Iranian drone. Nearly 100 additional American personnel have reportedly been injured in attacks across the region.
Democratic lawmakers questioned whether the administration’s strategy has achieved its stated goals and criticized the cost of continued military action. Sen. Patty Murray of Washington argued that Americans want an end to the conflict rather than billions more spent on warfare.
Republicans defended the funding request, arguing that withdrawing pressure on Iran could allow the country to rebuild its military capabilities and nuclear program.
The hearing also featured a tense exchange between Hegseth and Sen. Gary Peters of Michigan after Peters criticized the administration’s approach as lacking a clear strategy. Hegseth pushed back, saying criticism of the mission undermined service members.
As Congress debates the additional funding, lawmakers remain divided over both the financial burden and the future direction of U.S. involvement in the conflict.
