US War with Iran has cost $25 billion as Hegseth faces sharp questions from Congress

What This is

• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced sharp House questioning over the cost, goals, and legal basis of the U.S. war with Iran while defending the administration’s proposed $1.5 trillion fiscal 2027 defense budget.
• Pentagon officials put the war’s cost so far at about $25 billion, driven mainly by munitions use, day-to-day operations, and replacing equipment.
• Democrats argued the conflict was launched without explicit congressional authorization and noted the campaign is nearing the War Powers Resolution’s 60-day window for continued hostilities.
• Lawmakers pressed Hegseth about depleted U.S. weapons stockpiles and what that means for readiness beyond the Iran campaign.
• Weapons and ammunition delivery suspensions tied to wartime consumption have delayed or disrupted foreign military sales, prompting some partners to reconsider buying U.S. systems and diversify suppliers.
• Civilian-casualty allegations, including an investigated strike on a school in Iran, became a focal point of the oversight hearing alongside questions about the war’s justification and strategy.
• Hegseth said allies will be rewarded for higher defense spending and face consequences if they do not, while the White House was reported to be ranking NATO members by spending and support during the Iran conflict.

Why This Matters

• Sustained war spending tests Congress’s control over the federal purse and oversight of major military operations.
• A large munitions drawdown can reduce deterrence in other regions by limiting what the U.S. can quickly deploy elsewhere.
• Disrupted weapons deliveries can weaken alliance trust and shift future defense procurement away from U.S. suppliers.
• Rising defense outlays create budget tradeoffs, increasing pressure for either higher deficits or cuts in nondefense priorities.
• Civilian-casualty investigations affect legitimacy and can shape diplomatic options and long-run security costs.