Iran war has cost the US $25 billion so far, says Pentagon
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The United States has spent an estimated $25 billion on the war with Iran so far, Acting Pentagon Comptroller Jules Hurst told lawmakers during a House Armed Services Committee hearing on Wednesday.
Hurst appeared alongside Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during discussions on the administration’s proposed $1.5 trillion defense budget, which includes a 40% increase in spending.
The hearing marked the first major public questioning of senior Pentagon officials on the US conflict with Iran, which began on February 28.
Hegseth defended the proposed budget increase, saying it would reverse years of underinvestment in defense. He also criticised lawmakers opposing the administration’s approach to the war.
“The biggest challenge, the biggest adversary we face at this point are the reckless, feckless, and defeatist words of congressional Democrats and some Republicans,” Hegseth said.
The conflict has disrupted oil and gas shipping routes in the Persian Gulf, increased global energy prices, and strained US ties with European allies. President Donald Trump is currently pressuring Iran to negotiate an end to the conflict through a US naval blockade.
Hegseth also warned NATO allies of “consequences” if they failed to support the US military effort. He praised countries including Israel, South Korea, Poland, Finland, and the Baltic states for supporting collective defense efforts.
House Armed Services Committee ranking member Adam Smith criticised the administration’s defense request as “hopelessly unrealistic” and questioned the long-term strategy behind the war.
The Pentagon has also faced concerns over declining stockpiles of high-tech weapons. Earlier estimates cited by The Washington Post said the first two days of the conflict alone consumed $5.6 billion worth of munitions.
Although Hegseth denied critical shortages, lawmakers acknowledged the need to replenish weapons stockpiles heavily used during the Iran conflict and previous military support operations involving Israel.
Hegseth also reiterated the administration’s position on China, saying the US seeks “a balanced relationship” rather than domination.