Pentagon Requests $67.1 Billion More for Iran War as Costs Reach $37.5 Billion

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testified before the Senate Appropriations Committee on July 21, 2026, requesting $67.1 billion in emergency supplemental funding for the ongoing Iran war and other DoD priorities. Hegseth stated the war has cost $37.5 billion to date, up from $29 billion in May. The request includes $32.7 billion directly for war operations, with the remainder for munitions ($21 billion), cybersecurity ($5.1 billion), drones ($2.4 billion), and other priorities. Senators from both parties expressed skepticism, noting the DoD already has $75 billion from a $156 billion reconciliation fund and received over $1 trillion last year. The war, which began February 28, has escalated with 10 consecutive days of U.S. airstrikes. U.S. casualties have reached 18 service members killed, and at least 14 merchant mariners have died in the Strait of Hormuz. Hegseth argued the funding is needed for 'generational investment' to address neglect from the previous administration.