Pentagon Says US Has Spent $25 Billion on Iran War So Far (2)

Pentagon officials said the Iran war had cost $25 billion so far, offering the estimate in a contentious congressional hearing that saw Defense Secretary Pete Hegsethtrade barbs with Democrats over the administration’s handling of the conflict.

Hegseth told the House Armed Services Committee that the cost was worth it to make sure Iran didn’t obtain a nuclear weapon, even as Democrats said the figure underestimated the huge cost to US taxpayers.

The hearing — meant to discuss the administration’s unprecedented $1.5 trillion defense budget request, a 44% increase — offered lawmakers the first public opportunity to question Pentagon leaders ...