Pentagon Says U.S. War in Iran Has Cost $37.5 Billion, Seeks Additional Funding

WASHINGTON: The United States’ military campaign in Iran has cost an estimated $37.5 billion so far, with the Pentagon warning that additional funding is urgently needed to sustain operations and maintain military readiness.

Speaking before lawmakers, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the figure includes both expenditures already incurred and projected costs through September 30, marking an increase of nearly $8 billion from the previous public estimate.

The Pentagon has requested nearly $90 billion in additional Iran-related funding from Congress, arguing that without supplemental appropriations, the Department of Defense may have to scale back military training, maintenance, and other operational priorities despite being able to continue meeting payroll obligations.

The funding request came as Defense Secretary Hegseth and senior military officials faced intense questioning from lawmakers over the cost of the conflict, the administration’s long-term strategy, and the continued escalation of military operations.

According to Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine, while the military remains capable of supporting deployed forces, prolonged funding shortages could undermine maintenance schedules and investments in future military capabilities.

The renewed hostilities have followed the collapse of a ceasefire, leading to daily exchanges of strikes between U.S. and Iranian forces. The conflict has resulted in the deaths of 18 U.S. service members and left hundreds more injured, further intensifying political debate in Washington over the war’s financial and human costs.

The latest cost estimate highlights the growing economic burden of the conflict as the Pentagon seeks congressional approval for additional resources to support ongoing military operations and preserve the readiness of U.S. armed forces.