Iran war has cost $37.5bn so far, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth tells lawmakers
Posted: 21 Jul 2026, 22:30
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth says the latest estimate puts the cost of the Iran war to the Pentagon at about $37.5bn (£28bn) so far
Hegseth is updating lawmakers who are overseeing a request from his department for $87.6bn in additional funding - watch live above
The money will be used to "reinforce peace through strength", Hegseth says
The most senior Democrat on the committee says the request "does not make a lot of sense"
The hearing comes after three US soldiers were killed in the Middle East and President Donald Trump ordered fresh strikes on Iran - what's the latest with the conflict?
As soon as Hegseth began to speak, he was quickly interrupted by protesters several times
Other officials, including Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Air Force General Dan Caine, are also facing the Senate Appropriations Committee
https://www.bbc.com/news/live/cvgwp0kz4g9t
Hegseth is updating lawmakers who are overseeing a request from his department for $87.6bn in additional funding - watch live above
The money will be used to "reinforce peace through strength", Hegseth says
The most senior Democrat on the committee says the request "does not make a lot of sense"
The hearing comes after three US soldiers were killed in the Middle East and President Donald Trump ordered fresh strikes on Iran - what's the latest with the conflict?
As soon as Hegseth began to speak, he was quickly interrupted by protesters several times
Other officials, including Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Air Force General Dan Caine, are also facing the Senate Appropriations Committee
https://www.bbc.com/news/live/cvgwp0kz4g9t