The United States Department of Defence on Tuesday said the cost of the ongoing conflict with Iran has risen to nearly $29 billion, drawing increasing political scrutiny over military spending and America’s long-term strategic readiness.
The updated estimate was disclosed during a budget hearing on Capitol Hill, where Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Dan Caine and Pentagon Finance Chief Jules Hurst III testified before lawmakers regarding the proposed $1.5 trillion US defence budget for 2027.
Officials said the new figure marks a roughly $4 billion increase from the estimate presented by Hegseth two weeks earlier. According to Hurst, the revised calculation reflects updated repair, replacement and operational costs linked to the conflict.
Lawmakers pressed Pentagon officials on when Congress would receive a more comprehensive breakdown of war expenditures. Hegseth responded that the administration would seek additional funding, if necessary, through separate supplemental requests.
The hearing came amid renewed uncertainty surrounding the fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran. Earlier, President Donald Trump warned that the truce was “on life support” after rejecting Tehran’s latest peace proposal.
Democratic lawmakers sharply criticised the administration over both the financial burden of the conflict and what they described as unclear military objectives. Senior Democrat Rosa DeLauro questioned the overall achievements of the war compared to its rising cost.
Concerns were also raised over declining US weapons stockpiles following months of intensive military operations in the Middle East. However, Hegseth dismissed suggestions that American munitions reserves had been dangerously depleted.
Meanwhile, Senator Mark Kelly warned that replenishing advanced missile systems and defence equipment could take years and might affect US preparedness in future conflicts, particularly involving China.
The hearings marked Hegseth’s first appearance before Congress since the White House formally notified lawmakers that hostilities launched against Iran earlier this year had officially ended.
