US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated that they “live in a dangerous world” and that additional resources are needed for the American military, announcing that the cost of the ongoing war with Iran has “reached $37.5 billion.”
“Elchi” reports that Hegseth, along with Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Kane and Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, answered questions from members of the US Senate Appropriations Committee regarding the additional budget requested for the Department of Defense (Pentagon). “As you know, we live in a dangerous world that requires bold and swift action. This is the reason for this additional funding request for the 2026 fiscal year,” said Hegseth, characterizing the budget request as “a vital and urgent infusion of resources to meet the urgent needs of the Department of Defense.” Hegseth stated that this additional funding request is not an alternative to replace existing resources, saying: “We are also in a different era. We cannot afford to remain inactive if we do not immediately make critical investments in technology, processing power, artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and space. Our enemies, who are already making such investments, could surpass us.” In response to a question from Democratic Senator Dick Durbin regarding the cost of the war with Iran, the Secretary of Defense replied, “As of today, $37.5 billion.” Hegseth also noted that without these funds, soldiers’ salaries might not be paid, and the US military could face critical shortages that would “threaten the ability to rapidly replenish equipment and ammunition and continue vital operations without interruption.”
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