Middle East

Hegseth says Iran war has cost the US $37.5bn so far

U.S. Defense Secretary Hegseth said the ongoing war with Iran has cost the United States $37.5 billion so far, as the Pentagon seeks billions more in funding. His testimony was disrupted by protests and a shouting match at a pivotal moment in the conflict.

Military helicopter in flight under overcast sky
Military helicopter in flight under overcast skyPhoto: Samer Daboul / Pexels
BBC Middle East1 h ago

U.S. Defense Secretary Hegseth told Congress that the ongoing war with Iran has cost the United States $37.5 billion so far. The Pentagon is now seeking additional billions in funding to cover the conflict's continuing costs.

Hegseth's testimony was repeatedly interrupted by protests and a shouting match during the hearing. The tension in the room underscored how increasingly contentious the war has become in U.S. public opinion.

The cost figures have prompted lawmakers to demand greater transparency on the war's duration and budgetary impact. Analysts say the financial burden is expected to keep growing the longer the conflict continues.

GeopoliticsEnergyMiddle EastBBC Middle East
This article is an AI-curated summary of the original story published by BBC Middle East. The illustration is a stock photo by Samer Daboul from Pexels and is not from the original story.

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