22.07.2026 06:40
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that the cost of the ongoing war with Iran has reached $37.5 billion for the United States. Defending the Pentagon's request for additional funding, Hegseth warned that without the necessary funds, military personnel salaries and critical operations could be at risk. Hegseth also argued that Trump prevented Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and made notable statements regarding the Strait of Hormuz.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made statements before the Senate Appropriations Committee regarding the Pentagon's additional budget request. Addressing the cost of the ongoing war with Iran, Hegseth said the total cost incurred so far has reached $37.5 billion.
Responding to committee members' questions, Hegseth stated, "As of today, $37.5 billion," when asked about the cost of the Iran war to the US. Hegseth noted that the figure he disclosed also includes projected expenditures through September 30.
"ADDITIONAL BUDGET IS AN URGENT NEED" Emphasizing that the Pentagon's additional budget request is essential, Hegseth said the world is becoming increasingly dangerous and that the additional funding requested for fiscal year 2026 is aimed at meeting the urgent needs of the Department of Defense.
Hegseth stated that if critical investments in technology, computing power, artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and space are delayed, the US could fall behind its competitors.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth "MILITARY PERSONNEL SALARIES COULD BE AT RISK" Hegseth warned that serious problems could arise if the defense budget is not increased, noting that without necessary funding, military personnel salaries might go unpaid and the US military's ability to sustain vital operations without interruption could be jeopardized.
MESSAGE OF SUPPORT FOR TRUMP Responding to criticisms of US President Donald Trump's Iran policy, Hegseth argued that Trump deserves praise for his determination as commander-in-chief to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
Referring to the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, Hegseth stated that the Trump administration does not aim to enter a new prolonged war, and that the US is not trying to reshape Iranian society; their primary goal is to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
STRAIT OF HORMUZ WARNING Regarding the potential consequences if the blockade on Iranian ports is lifted and US troops are withdrawn from the region, Hegseth suggested that Iran might attempt to impose its will in the Strait of Hormuz.