U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced intense criticism from Democratic lawmakers over the true cost of the Iran war during his first appearance before Congress since the conflict began three months ago. At a House Armed Services Committee hearing, the Pentagon reported that the war had cost $25 billion so far, mainly for ammunition and equipment maintenance. Democrats rejected the figure as unrealistically low, arguing that the broader economic impact could push total costs between $630 billion and $1 trillion.

Acting Pentagon comptroller Jay Hurst clarified that the $25 billion estimate covered only direct operational expenses. Harvard economist Linda Bilmes suggested total costs might reach $1 trillion, noting that daily spending averaged $2 billion. The prolonged conflict has also driven U.S. fuel prices up 40 percent to $4.23 per gallon, worsening living costs and eroding President Trump’s popularity, with only 22 percent of Americans supporting his handling of the issue.

The New York Times reported that repairing damage from Iranian attacks on U.S. bases, including Bahrain’s Fifth Fleet headquarters, could cost hundreds of millions more, underscoring the war’s growing strain on the U.S. economy.