Iran Conflict Costs US $37.5 Billion

The US military conflict with Iran has cost Washington approximately $37.5 billion so far. This was announced by US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth during a hearing at the Senate Appropriations Committee.

According to him, costs have increased by nearly $8 billion since the last estimate in May. Hegseth warned that if Congress does not quickly approve additional funding, the Pentagon will be forced to cut military training programs.

Pentagon requests another $87 billion

Pete Hegseth asked Congress to allocate an additional $87 billion for the US Department of Defense.

Of this amount, $67 billion is planned to be directed toward ongoing military operations in the Middle East. The remainder could be spent on replenishing ammunition stocks, repairing military equipment, and maintaining troop combat readiness.

"If lawmakers do not increase funding immediately, we will be forced to cut military training," Hegseth said.

His statement came as strikes between the US and Iran continue for the tenth consecutive day.

Military spending rose sharply in one month

In estimates released in May, the cost of operations related to Iran was nearly $8 billion lower than the current figure.

According to the Secretary of Defense, costs are rising rapidly due to defense against missile and drone attacks, airstrikes, maintaining troops in the region, and replenishing spent ammunition stocks.

However, the $37.5 billion figure is currently an estimate provided by Hegseth, and a full financial report of the operations has not been disclosed.

Three American soldiers killed

The Senate hearing was held after three American soldiers were killed in the Middle East. This event is considered one of the most difficult stages of the conflict for the US.

On Monday, American forces launched further strikes on Iranian targets. Tehran responded with attacks against the US and its allies in the region.

Hegseth began his speech by saying:

"We live in a dangerous world."

He emphasized that the situation requires decisive and rapid decisions from the Pentagon and Congress.

Protesters interrupted the meeting several times

The Senate hearing did not go smoothly. The meeting was interrupted several times due to shouting from protesters.

They chanted slogans demanding an end to US military actions in Iran and the Middle East. The meeting continued after security personnel restored order.

These protests showed that debates in the American public regarding the impact of the war on human lives and the state budget are intensifying.

Military budget may reach record levels

In April, the White House requested $1.5 trillion for the Pentagon for the upcoming fiscal year.

If this proposal is approved, US military spending will reach the highest level in the country's recent history. Now, the additional funds requested for the conflict with Iran could further increase budget pressure.

Congress faces two main issues: allocating additional funds to continue military operations and assessing the long-term consequences of the ever-increasing costs.