The ongoing conflict involving Iran is already proving to be very expensive for the United States. According to an estimate shared by Jules Hurst, the cost has reached around $25 billion so far. He revealed this figure while speaking before the House Armed Services Committee during a recent hearing.
This discussion took place as part of a larger review of the Defense Department’s massive $1.5 trillion budget request. Senior officials, including Pete Hegseth and Dan Caine, were present to answer questions from lawmakers. This was also Hegseth’s first public testimony since the conflict began.
Cost of the Iran Conflict So Far
The $25 billion estimate mainly covers the cost of weapons and military operations used in the war. However, some leaders believe the real cost could be much higher.
Chris Coons raised doubts about the number, saying it likely does not include:
- The cost of deploying troops
- Maintaining forces in the region
- Logistics and support expenses
According to him, the actual spending could be significantly more when all factors are included.
Political Debate Over Strategy
The conflict has also sparked a strong political debate in Washington. Adam Smith criticised statements made by Donald Trump, who had earlier claimed that Iran was ready to give up major demands, including its nuclear programme and control over the Strait of Hormuz.
Smith disagreed with this view and said that such claims do not match reality. He stressed that the government needs a clear and practical strategy instead of relying on optimistic assumptions.
Strong Words From Defense Leadership
In his opening remarks, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth took a different approach. He criticised members of Congress, saying that negative comments from politicians could weaken the country during a serious conflict.
He reminded everyone that past wars like Iraq and Afghanistan lasted for many years, while this conflict is still in its early stage. According to him, the situation is an “existential fight” for the safety of the American people.
Interestingly, when the conflict first started, President Trump had suggested it would last only four to six weeks. However, it has already continued beyond that timeline.
Concerns About Military Readiness
Another major issue discussed during the hearing was military preparedness. Mike Rogers pointed out that global stockpiles of weapons are currently low. He warned that the US may not be able to quickly replace used ammunition if the conflict continues.
To address this, the Defense Department is working with industries to increase production of important weapons. Some of the key systems mentioned include:
- Patriot and THAAD defence systems
- SM-3 and SM-6 missiles
- AMRAAM air-to-air missiles
- JASSM cruise missiles
- PrSM tactical missiles
These weapons are considered critical for both current operations and future threats, especially in dealing with countries like China.
Bigger Picture: Budget and Global Threats
The discussion was not only about Iran but also about overall US defence planning. The proposed $1.5 trillion budget shows how seriously the government is taking global threats.
Lawmakers are trying to balance immediate war needs with long-term military strength. This includes preparing for possible challenges from other powerful nations while managing ongoing conflicts.
