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Secretary Hegseth testifies on Capitol Hill as Iran War costs rise to $37.5 billion
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testified before the Senate, revealing the Iran conflict has cost $37.5 billion so far, as the White House requests $87.6 billion in emergency funding to sustain military operations.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testified on Capitol Hill, stating that the Iran conflict has cost $37.5 billion to date, as the White House seeks $87.6 billion in emergency funding to continue military operations.
President Donald Trump emphasized the ongoing nature of the campaign, saying, “So if we left right now, it would take Iran 20, 25 years to rebuild. But we’re not finished at all.”
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The conflict has escalated significantly, with nearly 100 U.S. service members injured since fighting reignited in early July and 18 killed since the war began in late February. Among the fallen is Sergeant Michael Emmanuel Swinton from North Carolina, who was killed while disarming an Iranian drone in Iraq.
President Trump is expected to attend a dignified transfer ceremony at Dover Air Force Base for the recently fallen service members. “I’ll be going to Dover for something that I feel is… it’s a great honor for me to do it,” Trump said.
The financial toll of the conflict is also mounting. Hegseth warned of critical consequences if the requested funds are not approved. “Without these funds, we face critical shortfalls that threaten our ability to also simply pay our service members, rapidly replenish equipment and munitions, and sustain vital operations without disruptions,” he said.
The funding request includes allocations for farmers and changes to voting laws. Meanwhile, House Republicans are working to pass a $95 billion package to support the president’s goals.
Hegseth’s testimony was repeatedly interrupted by protesters, adding tension to the hearing. Senators pressed him on the duration of the conflict, the allocation of funds, and the existence of a clear exit strategy.
On the ground, fighting continues to escalate. Iran has targeted neighboring countries with U.S. military bases, while U.S. forces have struck Iranian command centers, missile and drone sites, and air defenses. President Trump signaled further action, stating, “The U.S. will hit ‘Pickaxe Mountain’ very soon… and very heavily.” The site is a fortified underground complex near one of Iran’s main nuclear facilities.
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