Washington, D.C. – United States Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has disclosed that the country’s military operations against Iran have cost US$37.5 billion so far, significantly higher than previously estimated.
Testifying before the Senate Appropriations Committee on Tuesday, Hegseth told lawmakers that the updated figure includes projected operational costs through September 30, representing an increase of nearly US$8 billion over the last publicly announced estimate.
The Defence Secretary appeared before the committee alongside Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine, marking his first public appearance before lawmakers since the U.S. military resumed operations against Iran earlier this month.
Lawmakers questioned the two military leaders on the financial implications of the conflict, the scope of ongoing operations, and the administration’s broader strategy in the Middle East.
The revised cost estimate comes amid growing scrutiny in Congress over the escalating military campaign and its impact on the U.S. budget, as well as concerns about the potential for a wider regional conflict.
The Pentagon has maintained that its operations are aimed at protecting U.S. interests and personnel in the region, while tensions between Washington and Tehran remain high.
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