The Secretary of Defense of the United States, Pete Hegseth, reported this Tuesday that the war against Iran has cost $37.5 billion so far, a figure that represents an increase of $8.5 billion compared to the estimate presented by the Pentagon in early May. The increase in spending occurs as the conflict, which began on February 28, continues longer than expected and continues to generate political and budgetary pressure in Washington.

During an appearance before the Senate Appropriations Committee, Hegseth defended President Donald Trump's military strategy and called on lawmakers to approve a $1.5 trillion defense budget, plus about $70 billion more to fund war-related operations.

The hearing was marked by protests by demonstrators who interrupted the Defense Secretary's presentation on several occasions, as well as by questions from Republican and Democratic senators about the direction of the conflict and the growing economic and human cost of the military campaign.

Hegseth maintained that China and Russia continue to support Iran at various levels, facilitating some of its activities, and said that the US government believes it has the necessary legal authority to maintain military operations without requiring new authorization from Congress.

Senate questions strategy and increase in military spending

One of the most tense moments occurred during the exchange between Hegseth and Michigan Democratic Senator Gary Peters, who criticized the lack of a clear strategy to achieve victory in the conflict.

Peters recalled that the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, that gasoline prices have increased and that American soldiers continue to lose their lives, so he questioned what concrete benefits the United States has obtained after months of confrontations.

Hegseth rejected that the war could be described as a failure and responded that this description discredits the sacrifice of the military deployed in the region. However, Peters replied that those who have failed are the civil and military leaders in charge of conducting the strategy, considering that the troops face increasing risks without a clearly defined objective.

The committee's top Democrat, Sen. Patty Murray, also expressed concern about the direction of the conflict and warned of the risk of the United States becoming trapped in another protracted war in the Middle East.

American casualties and pressure on the White House grow

The appearance occurred after the Pentagon confirmed the death of Sergeant Michael Emmanuel Swinton, who died after the explosion of an Iranian drone in Iraq. His death joins those of 1st Lt. Tyler James Feehan, 25, and Private Isabella Gonzales, 19, who died recently in Jordan.

With these casualties, at least 17 US soldiers have lost their lives since the start of the offensive against Iran, while nearly 100 soldiers have been injured in recent weeks, according to figures from the Department of Defense.

Hegseth also revealed that the US Navy has quietly maintained ship escort operations in the Strait of Hormuz since May, with the aim of protecting one of the most important shipping routes for the global oil trade.

The White House reiterated its call for Congress to approve the budget package requested by the Trump administration as soon as possible, arguing that the additional resources are essential to maintain military operations and address other national security priorities, at a time when the war continues to escalate and the prospects for a peace agreement remain uncertain.

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