Trump administration seeks additional funding for its war against Iran

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during his hearing before the Sénat in Washington, July 21, 2026. ERIC LEE/REUTERS US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth appeared before the Senate on Tuesday, July 21, to defend a request for additional funds to continue a conflict in Iran that has intensified in recent days. The White House asked Congress for $87 billion under tight deadlines: the bill must pass several stages in the House of Representatives – whose members go on recess Thursday – and then in the Senate. "There is training right now and ​training in the ​future that would have to be ‌curtailed ⁠if we do not get our budget needs met and met ​urgently," Pete Hegseth told members of the appropriations committee, blaming "neglected priorities" and "gross negligence" during Joe Biden's term (2021-2025), as well as the transfer of military equipment to Ukraine that allegedly has not been replaced. The Washington Post reported Tuesday that measures on the ground to scale back exercises and delay equipment maintenance have already been implemented. The United States is "not finished" attacking Iran, President Donald Trump also warned Tuesday, two weeks after the resumption of hostilities that threaten to further impact the global economy. But neither Trump nor Hegseth provided clarification on the strategy or outlook for the war, launched on February 28 with Israel against Tehran. You have 79.16% of this article left to read. The rest is for subscribers only.