The US Defense Secretary revealed during a Congressional budget hearing that the United States has spent over $37.5 billion on the Iran war and affirmed the critical necessity of the new budget request.
On Tuesday, 21 Jul 2026 GMT+7, Pete Hegseth, US Secretary of Defense, testified before Congress to request additional war funding, stating that the US has already spent over $37.5 billion (about 1.26 trillion baht) on attacks against Iran.
During the budget hearing, Democratic Senator Dick Durbin asked the Defense Secretary whether he anticipated costs increasing after the US-Iran ceasefire agreement ended.
Hegseth responded that the $37.5 billion budget partly covers expenses prepaid through the fiscal year-end, such as food for military personnel.
Hegseth insisted that the $87.6 billion budget request comes at a very urgent time because “we must prepare for war” to preserve peace and that a major investment is necessary to prevent rival nations from surpassing the US.
“Without these funds, we would face a critical shortage affecting our capabilities, from basics like paying troops, rapidly supplying equipment and ammunition replacements, to maintaining uninterrupted essential operations,” he said.
Meanwhile, the White House has urged Congress members to approve the $87.6 billion budget (about 2.95 trillion baht), most of which will be used for “urgent needs” related to the US-Iran war.
The White House stated that the largest portion, $67 billion, will be allocated to the US Department of Defense, but this proposal faces major obstacles in Congress.
This is because the conflict with Iran is unpopular among voters, and many US lawmakers are preparing for the November midterm elections.
The budget request includes $21 billion for replenishing weapons and ammunition stockpiles, $17.3 billion for operational expenses, and $12.1 billion for classified military projects.
Additionally, about $300 million is requested to strengthen security for US embassies and diplomatic bases in the Middle East and South Asia, following attacks on some locations early in the war.
The remaining funds will support other measures, including $11 billion to assist American farmers and $1.4 billion to combat the Ebola outbreak in Central Africa.
Hegseth assured Congress that every dollar allocated will be used to build the US military’s “destructive power” and will help “strengthen peace through strength.”
He also accused the previous Biden administration of leaving “a complete failure” in budget management and said that the “warriors” need this funding to secure the nation.
The hearing saw fierce debate between Democratic Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Gary Peters, with Peters calling Hegseth and the war a “failure,” leading to prolonged shouting before the session ended after more than three and a half hours.
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Source:bbc