Iran war has cost US $37.5bn so far Hegseth says as Pentagon seeks billions more

Congressional Rift Over $37.5 Billion War Funding

Trump’s War Timeline and Casualty Toll

During Hegseth’s hearing, Trump – who was at the White House – posted on Truth Social a list of U.S. wars, emphasizing their duration and death tolls. He claimed 18 U.S. soldiers had died in the war with Iran, which began on February 28. The Pentagon confirmed the death of Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton, 30, in Iraq, and said another soldier, Sgt. Angel Rampersad, 28, was believed dead in Jordan. Two others, Pfc. Trump is due to go to an air base in the U.S. state of Delaware on Wednesday morning as the soldiers’ flag-draped coffins arrive home.

U.S. Bombardment Intensifies, Israel Builds Gaza Barrier

The U.S. military has conducted sustained strikes against Iran, with CENTCOM concluding the 11th consecutive night of bombardment on July 21, 2026. The U.S. is to start using British bases for attacks against Iran, following Prime Minister Burnham’s approval, according to a report. Meanwhile, the IDF confirmed the construction of a massive sand barrier dividing Gaza, based on satellite imagery. The JPost also reported that Israel and the U.S. had repeatedly hunted Iran’s navy chief, Alireza Tangsiri, before succeeding, as well as Israeli naval attacks on Hezbollah commanders at Beirut’s Ramada Hotel and a mobile headquarters.

Iran’s Nuclear Facilities and Diplomatic Tensions

The war has also raised concerns about Iran’s nuclear program. The JPost highlighted Pickaxe Mountain as a potential target for U.S. strikes, citing its significance as an Iranian nuclear site. However, questions remain about whether the facility is operational and whether an attack would achieve its goals. Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi told France FM Barrot in a call that French diplomats were detained for breaking Iran’s laws, claiming they acted in an unconventional and inconsistent manner compared with how foreign officials should act.

Ceasefire Talks Emerge as War Costs Soar

Political tensions have escalated as Trump eyes an expanded Iran campaign. The JPost reported that a secret proposal for a 10-day ceasefire was submitted by Iran, with mediators including senior Qatari, Egyptian, Omani, and Pakistani officials. The Pentagon’s funding request and the war’s escalating costs are expected to fuel further congressional debates. With the House out of session until September and the war’s financial burden reaching $37.5 billion, the path forward remains uncertain, as both U.S. and Iranian actions continue to shape the conflict’s trajectory.