Story perspectives

Iran War Costs $37.5 B, Trump Threatens Natanz Strike

7/22/2026

Center

Hegseth Flags Cost

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told the Senate Appropriations Committee the war with Iran has cost $37.5 billion to date.
President Donald Trump warned the United States could strike the underground Pickaxe Mountain facility near Natanz if the campaign continues.
Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine sought $67 billion supplemental funding, citing $75 billion unspent.
$37.5 billion estimate reflects an increase from the $29 billion figure reported in May.

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Hegseth Details Warcost

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told the Senate Appropriations Committee the Iran war has cost $37.5 billion so far.
Lawmakers and anti-war protesters questioned the war’s justification, emphasizing the heavy burden on ordinary Americans.
Senators said the $37.5 billion figure exceeds the administration’s May estimate by $7.5 billion.
Analysts warned gasoline prices have nearly doubled, adding about $72 billion in extra household fuel costs.

History

Historical Context

In August 1990 Iraq invaded Kuwait, prompting UN Resolution 678 on 29 November 1990 that authorized a U.S.-led coalition of 42 nations. The coalition launched Operation Desert Storm on 17 January 1991, flying more than 100,000 sorties and expelling Iraqi forces by February 1991. Today, the Iran conflict’s $37.5 billion cost, cited by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, echoes the Gulf War’s spending and raises fiscal scrutiny.

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Hegseth Flags Cost

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told the Senate Appropriations Committee the war with Iran has cost $37.5 billion to date.
President Donald Trump warned the United States could strike the underground Pickaxe Mountain facility near Natanz if the campaign continues.
Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine sought $67 billion supplemental funding, citing $75 billion unspent.
$37.5 billion estimate reflects an increase from the $29 billion figure reported in May.

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