The Pentagon has raised its official estimate for the cost of the U.S.-Israel war against Iran to $37.5 billion, as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended a broader request for nearly $70 billion in supplemental war funding during a Senate hearing.
Pentagon Raises Official Iran War Cost To $37.5 Billion
On Tuesday, appearing before the Senate Appropriations Committee, Hegseth said the war has cost an estimated $37.5 billion so far, marking an $8.5 billion increase from the Trump administration’s previous estimate of $29 billion released in May, Al Jazeera reported.
“The estimate we have as of today is $37.5 billion,” Hegseth told lawmakers, adding that the figure includes certain operations and maintenance costs through the end of September, though he did not provide a detailed breakdown.
The updated estimate comes as the Pentagon seeks nearly $70 billion in supplemental funding tied to the Iran conflict as part of President Donald Trump’s proposed $1.5 trillion defense budget.
Calling the funding request essential, Hegseth told senators, “Without these funds, we face critical shortfalls,” describing the supplemental package as an “urgent, necessary” investment in national defense, noted Fortune.
Democrats Challenge Pentagon’s Spending Request
The hearing grew contentious as Democratic lawmakers questioned both the rising cost of the conflict and the administration’s broader defense spending priorities.
Sen. Patty Murray criticized the expansive budget proposal, noting that it also includes funding for National Guard deployments in Washington, D.C., border security operations and military missions targeting alleged drug smugglers in the Caribbean.
“So I’ll be blunt,” Murray said. “The truth is, your request does not make a lot of sense.”
The hearing was interrupted multiple times by protesters, days after the Pentagon announced that three additional U.S. service members had died in the conflict, bringing the total American death toll to 17, while more than 100 troops have been injured since early July.
Political Divide Deepens Over Iran War
Senate Republicans defended the defense package on X, arguing it would boost military pay, improve housing and expand recruiting, while accusing Senate Democrats of blocking the legislation.
Our men and women in uniform are counting on Congress.
— Senate Republicans (@SenateGOP) July 22, 2026
This year’s annual defense bill increases pay for our troops, updates housing and other quality-of-life projects, and expands recruiting opportunities.
But Senate Democrats blocked it.
Meanwhile, Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) wrote on X that the hearing confirmed the Iran conflict is “a war in search of a mission,” adding, “This war must end, NOW.”
Today's hearing with Secretary Hegseth confirmed the Iran war is a war in search of a mission.
— Senator Chris Van Hollen (@ChrisVanHollen) July 21, 2026
Hegseth talks a lot about 'winning,' but given multiple chances to explain what winning means, the best he could do was rehash disproven talking points.
This war must end, NOW. pic.twitter.com/V2idhSsbxI
Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Mich.) also criticized the administration on X, saying Americans are “paying the price for Trump’s war as costs continue to rise,” while questioning whether the growing military expenditures are making the country safer.
Michiganders are paying the price for Trump's war as costs continue to rise.
— Rep. Haley Stevens (@RepHaleyStevens) July 21, 2026
Meanwhile, the Trump administration is handing tax breaks to billionaires, slashing health care and food assistance, and spending $70 billion on ICE.
Are we any safer? pic.twitter.com/Z4KHoke8Ci
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo Courtesy: Joshua Sukoff on Shutterstock.com
