U.S. Defense Secretary cites $37.5 billion cost as Pentagon seeks additional war funding

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testified before the Senate Appropriations Committee, stating that the war with Iran has cost the United States $37.5 billion to date, though experts suggest the total may be higher. He said the Pentagon is seeking tens of billions of additional dollars to sustain operations.

Hegseth also briefed lawmakers on the ongoing U.S. effort to escort commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, noting that the covert operation has helped move up to 500 million barrels of oil through the waterway despite Iranian attacks.

He attributed part of Iran’s capability to support the conflict to assistance from Russia and China, adding that the extent of that support remains classified. When asked about the U.S. ability to strike a suspected Iranian nuclear facility at Pickaxe Mountain, Hegseth declined to provide details, citing classified capabilities.

Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine told the panel that the administration will present President Donald Trump with “appropriate options and risks” for further action, emphasizing that the human toll of the conflict is a consideration.

Separately, shipping analytics firm Kpler warned that a Houthi threat to block Saudi-linked vessels in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait could, together with disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, affect routes that carry roughly one-quarter of global oil supply. The firm reported that vessel traffic through Bab el-Mandeb fell 43 % below its 2023 peak, with Saudi crude loadings through the strait dropping 34 % over two weeks.

Senators raised concerns during the hearing, questioning the justification for the war and the accuracy of public statements about Iranian missile capabilities.