US Says Iran War Has Cost $37.5 Billion

Hegseth appeared before the Senate Appropriations Committee alongside Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins to answer questions on the administration's request for supplemental funding for the Pentagon.

"We live in a dangerous world that requires bold and rapid action," Hegseth said, describing the request for additional funding for fiscal year 2026 as an essential measure to address the Defense Department's urgent needs.

He said the supplemental funding was not intended to replace existing resources, adding that the United States could not afford to delay critical investments in technology, computing power, artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and space capabilities.

"If we fail to make these investments now, adversaries already moving in these areas could surpass us," he said.

Asked by Democratic Senator Dick Durbin about the cost of the conflict with Iran, Hegseth replied: "As of today, $37.5 billion."

He warned that without the requested funding, the military could face difficulties paying service members and risk critical shortages that would undermine its ability to replenish equipment and munitions while sustaining essential operations.

The hearing, focused on the Trump administration's supplemental funding request, was repeatedly disrupted by anti-war protesters.

Hegseth was interrupted four times during his opening remarks before protesters were removed from the chamber. As they were escorted out, some shouted: "Stop bombing innocent children."

Senate Appropriations Committee Vice Chair Patty Murray said the war against Iran was a conflict of the Trump administration's own making.

Criticising the administration for entering the war without congressional approval, Murray said President Donald Trump had launched the conflict by choice without providing a convincing justification to the American public.

She described the cost of the war as "catastrophic" and noted that US service members had been killed in the fighting.

"This is a president who says we can't afford healthcare, childcare or housing, but somehow there's always money for a new war. There never seems to be a price tag for that," Murray said.