Hegseth Tells Senate Iran War Has Cost $37.5 Billion, Seeks Additional Funding

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testified before the Senate Appropriations Committee on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, stating that the U.S.-Israel war with Iran has cost approximately $37.5 billion so far. This figure represents an increase from a previous estimate of $28 billion cited in the spring, before a ceasefire took effect. Hegseth's testimony came roughly five months into the conflict and occurred amid protests that repeatedly interrupted his opening remarks, as well as tension with lawmakers over the war's rising costs. Hegseth used the hearing to defend a Trump administration request for additional emergency military funding tied to the conflict, though reported figures for the size of that request varied across outlets, ranging from approximately $70 billion to $95 billion, with one figure cited at nearly $88 billion. Some Democrats on the committee expressed opposition to approving additional funds. Separately, NBC News reported that some experts and officials have estimated the war's overall cost could ultimately reach $80 billion to $100 billion, a figure substantially higher than Hegseth's stated total. CBS News similarly reported that sources indicated the true cost could be far higher than $37.5 billion, citing in part the expense of military construction to repair damaged U.S. bases. As of the hearing, Hegseth did not provide a timeline for the war's conclusion, and he described Iran as weakened without elaborating further. The hearing also took place against the backdrop of the deaths of three American service members in the conflict during the prior week, according to at least one report. The precise amount of supplemental funding ultimately requested or approved, the full scope of military construction costs, and the war's total eventual price tag remain unresolved and subject to differing estimates among officials and outside experts.