US puts Iran war cost at $37.5 billion as strikes hit day 10
Why it matters: The Pentagon warned it may cut training and other operations without a fast funding boost from Congress.
The war with Iran has cost the United States $37.5 billion so far, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told lawmakers Tuesday, a figure that includes some projected costs through Sept. 30 and marks a jump of nearly $8 billion from the last public estimate. The disclosure came as US and Iranian forces traded strikes for a 10th straight day after a ceasefire collapsed earlier this month. Hegseth told the Senate Appropriations Committee the Pentagon faces shortfalls without new funding, including limits on military training, pay, equipment replacement and munitions. The conflict began in late February. US troop deaths have risen to at least 17, with roughly 430 service members injured, according to the Pentagon.