Iran war has cost US $37.5bn so far, Hegseth says

The United States launched a 10th consecutive strike on Monday, and Iran retaliated with its own attacks on the United States and its allies in the Middle East.

The defense minister began his testimony on Tuesday by saying “we live in a dangerous world” and that it requires bold and swift action.

After interrupting the protesters, Hegseth said the request for funds came at a time of urgency.

He added that critical investments are needed to prevent adversaries from leaving the United States behind.

“Without these funds, we face critical shortages that also threaten our ability to pay our soldiers, quickly replenish equipment and ammunition, and maintain vital operations without interruption,” Hegseth said.

He added that every dollar allocated to him would be used to build the “lethality” of U.S. military forces and “enforce peace through force.”

Republican Susan Collins, chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, asked Hegseth what the impact would be if budget needs were not met.

Hegseth has repeatedly denounced former President Joe Biden’s administration as an underfunded military while saying current and future training for military members should be cut without funding.

Patty Murray, the committee’s ranking Democrat, withdrew the funding request, saying it “doesn’t make much sense” and accused the Trump administration of trying to “circumvent the normal appropriations process.”

Asked by Democratic Senator Dick Durbin whether he had an estimate of how much the war in Iran has cost so far, Hegseth announced the figure of $37.5 billion.