US Defense Secretary Hegseth Urges Huge Funding Amid Iran War Cost Surge

Sun Sep 06 2026 06:29:42 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claims the US has spent $37.5 bn on the Iran conflict, pushes for an additional $87 bn, while protests disrupt congressional hearings.

The latest Pentagon tally shows the Iran war costing the United States $37.5 bn, up almost $8 bn since May. Pete Hegseth addressed the Senate Appropriations Committee, demanding $87 bn more for the defence budget, with $67 bn earmarked for Middle Eastern operations. His testimony—interrupted by anti‑war protesters—ended in a heated confrontation with senators. The defence chief criticises the Biden administration’s past underfunding, while many Democrats remain opposed to the supplemental request. Congressional dead‑time may delay the Pentagon’s ability to secure the requested money.

The war with Iran has cost the United States a staggering US$37.5 bn (about £28 bn), Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth told the Senate Appropriations Committee on Tuesday. The figure reflects an increase of nearly US$8 bn on the last estimate of May.

Hegseth argued that without congressional approval for another US$87 bn—a sum that would provide US$67 bn for Middle East operations—the Pentagon would face critical deficits that could cripple pay for service members, rapid munitions replenishment and key operational support.

The hearing, punctuated by anti‑war protesters, ended in a shouting match between Hegseth and Senator Gary Peters. Conflict over the war’s cost and the necessary funding was a central theme.

Hegseth’s testimony was his first appearance on Capitol Hill since hostilities resumed last week after an earlier ceasefire fell apart. With three American soldiers confirmed killed in the region, the stakes are high.

The White House had requested US$1.5 tn for the Pentagon for the coming fiscal year, a figure that would raise American military spending to the highest point in modern history.

While Democrats largely oppose the supplemental request and some Republicans fear a misallocation of funds, any allocation still will face a procedural lag, as the House of Representatives will not reconvene until September. Even if approved, the Pentagon would likely not receive the money until months later.

According to Hegseth, the war has caused an unprecedented financial strain on the US. He rejected accusations of frivolous spending, labeling the Biden administration’s past defense budgets as inadequate, and insisted the US must maintain its strategic advantage.