U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth estimated on Tuesday that the war in Iran has cost the United States $37.5 billion to date, an increase of nearly 30% from the previous figure of $29 billion, AFP reports, according to Agerpres.

“Our estimate to date is $37.5 billion,” Pete Hegseth told a U.S. Senate committee, noting that this amount includes some costs projected through the end of September.

The Secretary of Defense also defended the Trump administration’s request to provide the Pentagon with $67 billion in additional funding.

Hegseth, along with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine, stated that this additional funding is “urgent” and “necessary.”

However, Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen challenged this assessment, arguing that the Secretary of Defense still has $75 billion in unspent funds.

“Why are you asking the American people to bear the cost of a war they don’t support, instead of requesting authorization to transfer funds that have already been approved but remain unspent?” she asked.

According to the Secretary of Defense, these funds have been “allocated” to other projects of President Donald Trump, such as the “Golden Dome” defense system or other investments in weaponry.

Furthermore, the requested funds do not include the cost of rebuilding U.S. military bases in the Middle East.

Other senators expressed their frustration, demanding more details about Donald Trump’s strategy for winning the war in the Middle East.

“We need clear answers and a frank discussion,” said Republican Senator John Kennedy, as he asked officials what would happen if the United States were to withdraw from the Strait of Hormuz.

Pete Hegseth and Dan Caine did not specify whether Iran would impose transit fees on ships wishing to use the strait.

source – AGERPRES