WASHINGTON (Realist English). US Deputy Defense Secretary Steven Feinberg informed lawmakers during telephone conversations this week that the Pentagon needs $80 billion to cover expenses related to the war against Iran, as well as other non-combat budget items.
This was reported by The Wall Street Journal, citing sources familiar with the discussions.
According to the publication, military officials warned that as early as this summer, the armed services could run out of funds for operations if Congress does not pass new military spending legislation.
The Pentagon’s request comes amid growing concern among lawmakers that the military has expended valuable munitions that may be needed to counter threats in other regions of the world.
Budget crisis amid peace talks
The US Department of Defense budget for fiscal year 2026 is approximately $1 trillion. Despite this, Feinberg said, funds for follow-on operations are insufficient.
Any additional Pentagon request must first be approved by the White House Office of Management and Budget before being sent to Congress. A full supplemental funding request, which would include funds for both the Pentagon and non-defense priorities, could be sent to lawmakers in the coming days.
According to sources, part of the requested $80 billion, if approved, would go toward ammunition, personnel payments and ship operations.
Cost of war: from $25 billion to $80 billion
Earlier, in April 2026, a Pentagon official for the first time made public an official estimate of the cost of the war with Iran, putting the figure at roughly $25 billion. However, as the WSJ notes, these costs are likely to continue rising, and the full cost of the conflict remains an open question on Capitol Hill.
Operational expenses, according to the Jerusalem Post, have already approached nearly $30 billion, not including the cost of rebuilding US military bases damaged in Iranian attacks. As of last month, the cost of the war had reached nearly $29 billion. Earlier in the conflict, a request for supplemental funding of $200 billion met with stiff opposition from lawmakers.
Pressure on Trump and Democratic position
The Pentagon’s request puts President Donald Trump in a difficult position amid rising inflation and domestic oil prices. Many Democrats have said they will not vote for additional funding, accusing Trump of violating the US Constitution — by starting a war without congressional approval, exceeding the 60‑day limit provided for under the War Powers Act.
Meanwhile, the Iranian side continues to take a hard line. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad‑Bagher Ghalibaf said that any dialogue with Washington will be strictly limited by Tehran’s “red lines.”