On Tuesday, July 22nd, 2026, During Hegseth testified before the Senate Appropriations Committee regarding the financial costs of the ongoing US involvement in the Iran war. Hegseth stated that the war has cost the US approximately $37.5 billion to date. He emphasized that every dollar appropriated would be used to enhance the "lethality" of US military forces and to "reinforce peace through strength."

Senate Appropriations Committee chairwoman Susan Collins questioned Hegseth about the consequences if the requested budget needs were not met. Hegseth responded that current and future military training programs would need to be cut without the additional funds. He repeatedly blamed former President Joe Biden's administration for what he described as an underfunded military.

The hearing was marked by disruptions, including protests and a shouting match between Hegseth and Democratic Senator Gary Peters. Patty Murray, the committee's most senior Democrat, criticized the funding request, stating it "does not make a lot of sense."

Democratic Senator Dick Durbin asked Hegseth for an estimate of the war's cost, to which Hegseth replied with the $37.5 billion figure. However, two Democratic sources and a third source familiar with the matter told the BBC's media partner CBS that they believe the actual cost is significantly higher, noting that the current estimate excludes expenses such as reconstruction of damaged American bases.

During the hearing, former President Donald Trump, present at the White House, posted a list comparing the Iran war to longer and bloodier US conflicts, highlighting their duration and death toll.

On the same day, the Pentagon announced the deaths of two US soldiers: Sgt Michael Emmanuel Swinton, 30, in Iraq, and Sgt Angel Rampersad, 28, who was believed dead in Jordan.

The Iran war remains a pivotal and contentious issue as hostilities resumed recently following a ceasefire agreement in April.

Sources