Pete Hegseth says figure includes current military expenditures as well as projected costs through September 30. He did not explain how the Pentagon calculated the total
WASHINGTON: (UrduPoint/Pakistan Point News-July 22nd, 2026) The United States has spent an estimated $37.5 billion on its military campaign in Iran so far, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told lawmakers on Tuesday as he appealed for additional funding to sustain operations.
Speaking during a congressional hearing, Pete Hegseth said the figure includes current military expenditures as well as projected costs through September 30. He did not explain how the Pentagon calculated the total.
The funding request comes as political pressure mounts ahead of the US midterm elections, with the Iran conflict emerging as a contentious issue in Washington. Opposition lawmakers have criticised the administration's handling of the war, arguing that the escalating military campaign is placing additional strain on public finances at a time when many Americans are grappling with rising living costs.
Last month, President Donald Trump requested nearly $90 billion in emergency funding from Congress, with the majority earmarked for military operations linked to the Iran conflict. The proposal is expected to face intense scrutiny from lawmakers, including members of both major parties who have expressed frustration over the administration's communication regarding the war.
During the hearing, Democratic lawmakers questioned the administration's strategy and raised concerns over the possibility of further escalation. They argued that Congress has not received sufficient information about the conflict or the government's long-term objectives.
Hegseth warned that without immediate approval of additional funding, the Pentagon may be forced to scale back military training and other essential activities. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine acknowledged that prolonged operations could also affect maintenance programs and future military modernisation efforts, although he said the department would prioritise paying service members.
The defense secretary also urged Congress to approve the administration's proposed $1.5 trillion defense budget for fiscal year 2027, describing it as essential for maintaining US national security.
Meanwhile, fighting between the United States and Iran has intensified after a fragile ceasefire collapsed earlier this month. Both sides have continued exchanging daily strikes.
According to Pentagon figures, 18 US troops have been killed since the conflict began, while approximately 430 service members have been wounded. Officials said that since July 7, 100 additional troops have been injured, with 96% having already returned to active duty.
President Trump has recently signalled the possibility of expanding military operations by targeting additional Iranian infrastructure, including energy facilities, bridges, Kharg Island's oil hub, and the underground nuclear-linked site known as Pickaxe Mountain. On Tuesday, he said the mountain facility would be targeted "pretty soon."
