Pentagon hikes Iran war cost to $37.5B as lawmakers weigh billions more

During a Senate Appropriations hearing, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the Iran war has cost about $37.5 billion so far and that the Pentagon expects the total to rise as it seeks billions more in supplemental funding. Gen. Dan Caine stressed weighing risks and the human toll, including upcoming dignified transfers at Dover, while lawmakers clashed over the war’s justification and strategy amid ongoing strikes, Strait of Hormuz activities, and regional tensions surrounding Iran.