WASHINGTON — U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has revealed that the ongoing war with Iran has cost the United States approximately $37.5 billion, as he faced intense questioning from lawmakers during a heated Senate hearing over the military operation and a proposed multibillion-dollar funding package.
Hegseth disclosed the updated cost estimate on Tuesday before the Senate Appropriations Committee, where he defended President Donald Trump’s request for additional military funding, describing the money as an “urgent, necessary” investment to support U.S. forces.
The hearing came days after the Pentagon announced the deaths of three additional American service members, raising the total U.S. military death toll in the conflict to 17, while more than 100 others have been injured since early July.
Several protesters interrupted Hegseth’s opening remarks, as tensions remained high over the continuation of the conflict.
Republicans seek $95 billion military funding package
Republican lawmakers are preparing a $95 billion budget package aimed at funding the military and supporting other White House priorities. The proposal includes billions of dollars for national security needs, farm assistance and changes to voting laws.
Hegseth told senators that failing to approve the additional funds could leave the military facing “critical shortfalls.”
“Without these funds, we face critical shortfalls,” Hegseth testified.
The Defense Secretary also backed President Trump’s proposed $1.5 trillion defense budget, calling it a historic investment in America’s military capabilities.
However, Democrats questioned the strategy behind the war and warned that the conflict could become another prolonged military engagement.
Senate Appropriations Committee Democrat leader Sen. Patty Murray accused the administration of allowing the conflict to escalate.
“This war is now spiraling out of control again,” Murray said.
She also criticized President Trump’s previous statements that a peace deal was close, arguing that the administration was now requesting billions more in funding without a clear end plan.
Military leadership faces questions over war strategy
Hegseth appeared alongside Gen. Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins during the hearing.
Lawmakers questioned both officials about the rising costs of the conflict, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, and whether the current military strategy has achieved its objectives.
Sen. Jeanne Shaheen questioned why additional funding was needed when the Pentagon had not yet spent a significant portion of previous military allocations.
“Why are you asking the American people to absorb the cost of a war they don’t support?” Shaheen asked.
Gen. Caine warned that the final cost of the conflict remains uncertain because the outcome depends on actions by Iran.
“I can’t answer the question on what it will cost, because the enemy has a vote,” Caine said.
Hegseth clashes with Democratic senators
The hearing became increasingly confrontational as lawmakers challenged Hegseth’s assessment of the war.
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand questioned whether U.S. strikes had successfully eliminated Iran’s nuclear capabilities, while Sen. Jon Ossoff raised concerns about previous statements made by Hegseth regarding Iran’s response to the conflict.
A heated exchange occurred between Hegseth and Democratic Sen. Gary Peters, who described the administration’s war strategy as a failure.
“Shame on you and others who call this a quagmire and a failure,” Hegseth responded.
Peters argued that the issue was not a lack of funding but a lack of leadership and a clear long-term strategy.
“You don’t have a strategy. You don’t have a long-term plan to actually win this war,” Peters said.
Hegseth accused Democrats of opposing the administration’s efforts for political reasons, while Peters insisted the criticism was focused on military leadership and accountability.
Congress prepares for another war powers vote
The Senate is expected to consider another war powers resolution this week as lawmakers continue debates over the U.S. role in the conflict.
Despite repeated attempts by some members of Congress to limit military action, Republicans have largely supported President Trump’s approach and are moving forward with the proposed funding package.
The budget proposal is expected to advance through the reconciliation process, allowing Republicans to pass it without Democratic support.
The measure is now heading toward a House vote, where Republican leaders face pressure from both Democrats and some conservatives demanding changes to the spending plan.
