By Our Correspondent
National News – The United States government has disclosed that the ongoing conflict with Iran has now cost nearly $29 billion, according to Pentagon officials during a budget hearing held on Tuesday in Washington.
The revelation came as President Donald Trump faces increasing criticism over the rising military expenses, weapons depletion and questions surrounding America’s long-term strategy in the Middle East.
Pentagon finance chief Jules Hurst III told lawmakers that the latest estimate is about $4 billion higher than the figure released two weeks ago.
He explained that updated repair costs, replacement of damaged military equipment and expanding operational demands pushed the total spending figure closer to $29 billion.
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine appeared before Congress to defend the administration’s proposed $1.5 trillion defence budget for 2027.
During the hearing, Democratic lawmakers demanded more transparency over the war’s objectives, total expenses and military consequences.
Representative Rosa DeLauro questioned what the United States had achieved from the conflict considering the growing financial burden.
Lawmaker Betty McCollum also accused the Pentagon of withholding critical details from Congress before seeking additional war funding.
The debate intensified after reports emerged that US military weapon stockpiles, including Tomahawk missiles and Patriot defence systems, had significantly reduced following months of air strikes and missile operations in the Middle East.
However, Hegseth dismissed concerns, insisting the US still possesses enough military resources to meet operational demands.
The hearing also followed renewed tensions between Washington and Tehran after President Trump warned that the fragile ceasefire agreement with Iran was “on life support.”
Critics have continued to accuse the White House of engaging in military action without proper congressional approval.
The Pentagon has yet to provide a complete estimate of damages caused by Iranian attacks on American facilities during the conflict.
