US war in Iran costs hit $25 billion amid Pentagon budget defense

The Pentagon has officially estimated that the ongoing US war in Iran has cost approximately $25 billion so far.

This figure was disclosed during a House Armed Services Committee hearing on April 29, where Pentagon Chief Financial Officer Jules Hurst III detailed that most spending was allocated to ammunition, with additional funds directed towards operations and equipment upgrades.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth appeared alongside General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, at the hearing.

Hegseth denied claims that the conflict is a quagmire and criticized congressional opposition, describing some lawmakers as "the biggest challenge" to the war effort due to what he called "reckless, feckless and defeatist words." The conflict, now two months in duration, has drawn significant political controversy amid calls for a $1.5 trillion military budget.

Protesters outside the hearing chanted accusations of war crimes against Hegseth and Caine, and many members of the public were unable to attend the session.

Hegseth framed the war as "an existential fight for the safety of the American people" and expressed pride in the administration's undertaking.

He referenced the US's previous long-term military engagements in Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan as benchmarks for endurance.

President Donald Trump, who initially predicted the conflict would last four to six weeks, has since indicated readiness to maintain a naval blockade of Iran until a deal is reached, suggesting the possibility of a prolonged conflict.

Trump also posted an AI-generated image of himself holding a weapon with the caption "NO MORE MR.

NICE GUY," accompanied by a warning to Iran to "get smart soon." The $25 billion cost estimate includes expenditures on munitions, operations, maintenance, and equipment replacement.

The Pentagon's disclosure comes amid mounting criticism from Democratic lawmakers over spending priorities and the overall strategy in Iran.

During the hearing, California Democrat John Garamendi criticized the Pentagon's handling of the conflict, citing "astounding incompetence" as a contributing factor to the ongoing challenges.

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