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Pentagon Reports $25 Billion Cost for Iran War
The U.S. has spent $25 billion on the ongoing war with Iran, according to Pentagon testimony before Congress. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the conflict during his first appearance on Capitol Hill since the war began, while oil prices surged above $118 per barrel amid reports of an extended blockade.
Apr 29, 1:49 PM·3m read26 sources
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The U.S. war with Iran has cost $25 billion so far, according to acting Pentagon comptroller Jules Hurst, who disclosed the figure during testimony before the House Armed Services Committee on April 29, 2026. Hurst appeared alongside Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen.
Dan Caine to discuss the Defense Department's $1.5 trillion budget request. This marked Hegseth's first public testimony on Capitol Hill since June 2025, before the conflict started.
and Strategy Questions Lawmakers
questioned the Trump administration's overall strategy in Iran, particularly as peace talks appear stalled. Adam Smith, the ranking member, noted that President Trump's earlier statements about Iran agreeing to concessions, including on its nuclear program and the Strait of Hormuz, have not materialized.
>"So wish fulfillment is not really a strategy. " — Rep. Adam Smith, April 29, 2026 (CBS News) Hegseth, in his opening remarks, described the conflict as an existential fight for American safety and criticized congressional Democrats and some Republicans for what he called reckless and defeatist rhetoric.
He referenced the durations of past conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, noting the Iran war is only two months in. Mike Rogers, the committee chairman, highlighted low global munition stockpiles and the need for rapid restocking. Hegseth outlined Pentagon efforts to boost production of 14 critical munitions, including Patriot and THAAD interceptors, SM-3s, SM-6s, AMRAAMs, JASSMs, and PrSMs.
At the war's outset, President Trump stated it would last four to six weeks. The conflict reaches its 60-day mark on May 1, 2026, prompting discussions in Congress about the War Powers Resolution, which requires termination of unauthorized operations within 60 days unless Congress approves continuation.
