US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told the Senate Appropriations Committee that the conflict involving Iran has already cost the United States an estimated $37.5 billion, warning that the Pentagon requires additional funding to address growing global security challenges.
Washington, United States – Web Desk: Testifying before lawmakers, Hegseth said the figure includes projected military expenditures through September 30, stressing that continued investment in the US armed forces is essential.
“This is the time to invest in America’s military, not reduce defence spending,” Hegseth said, arguing that failing to fully fund the Pentagon would pose a significant national security risk.
The defense secretary made the remarks after attending a classified briefing before formally presenting the administration’s funding request to the Senate committee.
According to US media reports, the Trump administration has asked Congress to approve approximately $87 billion in additional funding to support military operations linked to the Iran conflict and other defence priorities.
Meanwhile, The Washington Post reported that US funding allocated for military operations involving Iran is being depleted rapidly, increasing pressure on Congress to consider the administration’s emergency funding request.
The hearing was repeatedly interrupted by anti-war protesters, who shouted slogans opposing military operations in Iran and Palestine before being removed from the chamber by security personnel.
Protesters chanted, “Stop bombing children in Iran and Palestine. This is illegal,” while calling for an immediate end to the conflict. Some demonstrators also claimed former US service members were demanding an end to the war.
The repeated protests forced committee proceedings to pause several times before police escorted demonstrators from the hearing room and the session resumed.
