The Pentagon has officially raised its estimate for the cost of the U.S.-Israel war against Iran to $37.5 billion, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth went before the Senate on Tuesday to defend a request for nearly $70 billion in additional war funding. The hearing got heated.
Appearing before the Senate Appropriations Committee, Hegseth said the war has cost an estimated $37.5 billion so far—an $8.5 billion jump from the Trump administration's previous estimate of $29 billion released in May, according to Al Jazeera.
"The estimate we have as of today is $37.5 billion," Hegseth told lawmakers, adding that the figure includes certain operations and maintenance costs through the end of September. He didn't provide a detailed breakdown.
The updated estimate comes as the Pentagon seeks nearly $70 billion in supplemental funding tied to the Iran conflict as part of President Donald Trump's proposed $1.5 trillion defense budget. Hegseth called the funding request essential, telling senators, "Without these funds, we face critical shortfalls," and describing the supplemental package as an "urgent, necessary" investment in national defense, as noted by Fortune.
Democrats Challenge the Pentagon's Spending Request
The hearing grew contentious as Democratic lawmakers questioned both the rising cost of the conflict and the administration's broader defense spending priorities. Sen. Patty Murray criticized the expansive budget proposal, noting that it also includes funding for National Guard deployments in Washington, D.C., border security operations, and military missions targeting alleged drug smugglers in the Caribbean.
"So I'll be blunt," Murray said. "The truth is, your request does not make a lot of sense."
The hearing was interrupted multiple times by protesters, just days after the Pentagon announced that three additional U.S. service members had died in the conflict, bringing the total American death toll to 17, while more than 100 troops have been injured since early July.
Political Divide Deepens Over Iran War
Senate Republicans defended the defense package on X, arguing it would boost military pay, improve housing, and expand recruiting, while accusing Senate Democrats of blocking the legislation.
Meanwhile, Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) wrote on X that the hearing confirmed the Iran conflict is "a war in search of a mission," adding, "This war must end, NOW."
Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Mich.) also criticized the administration on X, saying Americans are "paying the price for Trump's war as costs continue to rise," while questioning whether the growing military expenditures are making the country safer.
The bottom line: The price tag keeps climbing, the political battle lines are drawn, and the human cost is mounting. Hegseth says the money is urgently needed. Democrats say the whole thing doesn't add up.
