Iran War Costs US $37.5 Billion as Pentagon Seeks $87 Billion More

The Iran war has cost the US $37.5 billion so far according to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who appeared before the Senate Appropriations Committee to request an additional $87 billion in Pentagon funding including $67 billion for Middle East operations. [1]

US Spending on Iran War Reaches $37.5 Billion

The war with Iran has cost the US some $37.5 billion so far, an increase of nearly $8 billion since the last estimate in May. [1] Hegseth told the Senate Appropriations Committee it was urgent that lawmakers approve another $87 billion in congressional funding for the Pentagon, with $67 billion of that destined for operations in the Middle East. [1] There had been no official government estimate of the US financial cost of the war since 12 May, when a senior Pentagon official put the figure at $29 billion. [1] The Pentagon previously told lawmakers the war had cost the US some $11.3 billion in the first week. [1] Without these funds, the Pentagon faces critical shortfalls that threaten its ability to pay service members, rapidly replenish equipment and munitions, and sustain vital operations without disruption. [1] Hegseth repeatedly blamed the prior Biden administration for what he said was an underfunded military. [1]

Senate Hearing Highlights Partisan Clashes

The hearing was disrupted several times by anti-war protesters and ended in a shouting match between the defence secretary and a senator. [1] After being interrupted by protesters, Hegseth went on to say his funding request came at an urgent time. [1] Senate Appropriations Committee chairwoman Susan Collins, a Republican, questioned Hegseth over what the impact would be if the budget needs were not met. [1] The most senior Democrat on the committee, Patty Murray, pushed back on the funding request, saying it "does not make a lot of sense". [1] New York Democratic Senator Kirsten Gillibrand accused the Trump administration of seeking "unlimited money for bombs" from Congress, while American citizens cannot afford to "feed their families". [1] She asked why Hegseth was asking for tens of billions of dollars for a war the president said had already been won. [1] The hearing culminated in a shouting match between Hegseth and Democratic Senator Gary Peters. [1] Peters called Hegseth a "failure" and said the Trump administration had created another "forever war". [1] Hegseth told Peters "shame on you", adding that the Michigan senator had "Trump derangement syndrome". [1] Most Democrats are opposed to the supplemental funding request, and there is discontent in Republican ranks too. [1] Some of the fiscal hawks in the Republican Party want spending cuts elsewhere to offset the budget. [1] Either way, the House of Representatives leaves town on Thursday and the two chambers of Congress will not be jointly back in session until September. [1]

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testifies before Senate Appropriations Committee on Iran war costs. — Source: thenewarab

Rising US Military Deaths Reach 18

Eighteen US service members have died in the conflict that began on 28 February. [1] On Tuesday, the Pentagon announced the death of Sgt Michael Emmanuel Swinton, a 30-year-old US soldier, in Iraq. [1] It also said another US soldier Sgt Angel Rampersad, 28, was believed dead in Jordan. [1] A day earlier, the military identified two other US service personnel killed in action in Jordan as Pfc Isabella Gonzales, 19, and 1st Lt Tyler Feehan, 25. [1] The Department of Defense confirmed the death of Sgt Angel S. Rampersad, who had been missing since the attack on 17 July against the base in Jordan, bringing the total to 18. [5] Trump is due to go to an air base in the US state of Delaware on Wednesday morning as the soldiers' flag-draped coffins arrive home. [1]

War Impact on Regional Tourism and Economy

The conflict has damaged tourism in Dubai, prompting the emirate to offer more than $800 in discounts to residents who invite visitors. [2] Dubai will offer more than $800 worth of discounts and deals to residents who bring friends and family to visit, the emirate's media office said on Wednesday, as months of the US-Israeli war on Iran have battered its tourism sector. [2] The programme will run until the end of October, with residents able to receive benefits worth over AED 3,000 including hotel stays, dining experiences, attraction tickets and more. [2] Although the UAE has so far not been hit in the latest round of US-Iran escalation, the war that erupted in February shattered its image as a stable haven. [2] The United Arab Emirates bore the brunt of Iran's missiles and drones, which hit hotels, including on the Palm, as well as its landmark Burj Al Arab resort and sent tourists fleeing during the winter high season. [2] In May, the Dubai government approved an economic package worth more than $400 million to help businesses struggling to cope with the aftermath of the US-Israeli war and Iran's blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. [2] In late March, Dubai authorities announced a first package worth over $270 million to help businesses and families. [2]

Iran's post-war gamble on the young. — Source: dawn

Iranian Domestic Response and Youth Sentiment

Post-Khamenei assassination mourning saw millions in black mourning attire carried red flags in Tehran. [3] The day after the state funeral in July, the scene changed with art galleries reopening and women in t-shirts and jeans with heads uncovered. [3] Restrictions on dress codes appeared to have been further relaxed along with those that regulated music and mixed gatherings outdoors. [3] Young Iranians are rallying around national defense and civilizational pride despite prior anti-regime protests. [3] Mohammad Mehdi, a young man who runs a handicraft shop, said his friends would go to symbolically defend bridges and power grids when threats arose. [3] He asserted that Iran is not Venezuela and that they will fight back if attacked again. [3] Maryam Rezaei, a 24-year-old activist, recalled the horrible days of protests four years ago when friends were detained by the Guidance Patrol. [3] Fatemeh Ahmadi said young people back the Islamic Republic for standing firm against the aggression of the US and Israel. [3]

Unclear Objectives and Political Repercussions

The administration is asking for a huge windfall in financing for a war it has always struggled to explain, can’t control and for which it lacks metrics of success and a way out. [4] Hegseth said the overarching objective is ensuring Iran never has a nuclear weapon. [4] He later added that ultimately a lot of the strikes are taking Iran’s ability to see and sense away in the Strait of Hormuz. [4] Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that the midterm elections in November wouldn’t impact his strategy. [4] He compared the 18 US combat deaths in the Iran war with losses in other modern military engagements, including the 58,000 killed in Vietnam. [4] Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff pressed Hegseth on whether a statement that Iran’s military had been destroyed was truthful. [4] Gillibrand told Hegseth the administration is requesting billions for a war that was said would last for weeks and that the president has no plan or ability to end. [4]

What to watch next: Congress will not return until September, leaving a delay before any supplemental funds could reach the Pentagon even if approved, while Trump is scheduled to attend the dignified transfer at Dover Air Force Base on Wednesday. [1]