Pentagon seeks $200 billion funding amid ongoing tensions with Iran

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has hinted at a potential change in war funding for the conflict with Iran, leaving the timeline decision up to President Trump. The Pentagon is seeking an additional $200 billion from Congress to fund the ongoing military operation.

Hegseth did not directly confirm the amount but stated that it could be adjusted. “It takes money to kill bad guys,” he said. “We’re going back to Congress and ensuring we’re properly funded for what’s been done, for what we may have to do in the future.”

The request comes on top of extra funding the Defense Department received last year as part of President Trump’s tax-cuts bill. The proposal would need to be approved by Congress, which has shown growing unease with the military operation’s scope and strategy.

Hegseth declined to provide a timeline for ending the conflict, stating that it will be at the president’s choosing when to stop. “We wouldn’t want to set a definitive timeframe,” he said. “We’re very much on track.”

The requested amount would significantly boost the Pentagon’s annual budget, which was approved at over $800 billion for the current fiscal year. Last year’s tax-cuts bill provided an additional $150 billion for specific projects and upgrades.

Top US military officer General Dan Caine provided details on the use of aircraft against Iran and its allied forces in the region. He mentioned that A-10 Warthogs are being used to target fast-attack watercraft in the Strait of Hormuz, while AH-64 Apaches are being used in Iraq to target Iran-aligned militia groups.

The proposal has not been officially transmitted to Congress, but it is expected to be discussed during upcoming budget hearings.

Source: Al Jazeera