US cost of Iran war $37.5 billion? Pete Hegseth says 'every dollar' will build military 'lethality'
US defense secretary Pete Hegseth said the cost of the US war on Iran has surpassed $37.5 billion as of July 22, 2026.
Hegseth asked Congress to approve an $87 billion supplemental funding request for the Department of Defense, with $67 billion for active operations in the Gulf.
He described the request as a 'generational investment' to strengthen the US military and ensure it did not fall behind rival nations.
Every dollar appropriated will be used to increase the 'lethality' of US forces and reinforce 'peace through strength,' Hegseth said.
The hearing occurred as the US carried out an 11th consecutive night of strikes on Iranian targets and Tehran continued retaliatory attacks.
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Hindustan Times
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