The Pentagon estimated this Tuesday at 29 billion dollars the cost of the war in Iran, an amount that represents an increase of about 4 billion compared to the official calculation communicated two weeks ago. The new estimate was laid out during a congressional hearing by Jules Hurst III, acting chief financial officer of the Department of Defense.
Hurst had placed the expense in 25 billion dollars on April 29. This Tuesday he explained that the figure is constantly reviewed and that the cost is now “closer” to 29 billion. As detailed, the updated calculation includes operating expenses and “equipment repair and replacement” items.
An invoice without details
The financial officer of the Pentagon appeared alongside the Secretary of War Pete Hegsethand the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine. “The Joint Chiefs of Staff team and the Comptroller’s team constantly review that estimate,” Hurst told lawmakers.
The Department of Defense He did not clarify how exactly he arrived at the new figure. That point keeps open the concern in Congresswhich demands more information about a military intervention underway and without formal authorization from the legislative branch.
The demand does not come only from the opposition. Democrats and Republicans it’s been weeks asking the Pentagon to submit a budget request separated to cover the costs of the war. Without this document, Congress has less room to follow the evolution of spending and supervise the operation.
A US Navy destroyer deployed on Washington’s Strait of Hormuz blockade mission. / CENTCOM EN X
Political pressure
Democratic Congresswoman Betty McCollum summarized the lawmakers’ claim during the hearing. “Congress needs to know how much money is needed to finance operational activities, maintenance of deployed ships, replenishment of lost ammunition and equipment, fuel costs and repairs of US facilities in the region,” he stated.
Hegseth did not specify when this information will arrive.. In his appearance he limited himself to ensuring that The Pentagon will present to Congress what it considers “necessary”. The response left the timetable unresolved and fueled criticism about the lack of transparency around the war bill.
The Secretary of War went to the House of Representatives and the Senate this Tuesday to defend the Pentagon’s budget request for next year, which amounts to 1.5 trillion dollars. That request does not include the specific item for Iranignoring the requests of Congress.
The new calculation of the cost of the war coincides with the publication of the latest inflation data in the United States. The Consumer Price Index rose in April to 3.8% year-on-yearits highest level since May 2023, in a context marked by the increase in energy prices associated with the conflict in Iran and the naval blockade on its coasts and ports.
The coincidence of both data complicates the political scenario for Trump and for the Republicans, who face in less than six months mid-term elections in which the House of Representatives, a third of the Senate and various state offices will be renewed. The cost of living was one of the factors that boosted the vote for Donald Trumpand the war now threatens to aggravate that domestic front.
A fragile ceasefire
Meanwhile, the bill increase comes when the ceasefire is at its weakest. Trump described Tehran’s response to Washington’s peace proposal as “totally unacceptable,” the details of which have not been revealed.
The American president said this Tuesday that he is in no hurry to close an agreement with Iran if it does not meet the objectives of the war launched by his country and Israel. Also defended that the naval blockade of the Iranian coasts and ports gives Washington an advantage in the dialogue.
For now, the official figure is provisional, but it marks a clear trend: War becomes more expensive and political control over its financing becomes more urgent. The Pentagon acknowledges $29 billion in spending, Congress demands a detailed bill, and the White House maintains pressure on Tehran.
Subscribe to continue reading
