The US administration has revealed that the cost of military operations against Iran has risen to $37.5 billion, as the Pentagon requests additional funding of $67 billion, warning of the repercussions of not approving it on the readiness of the armed forces.

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said during a hearing before the Senate Appropriations Committee that the latest cost estimates for the war amounted to $37.5 billion, a notable increase from previous estimates, stressing that the requested funding represents an 'urgent necessity' to ensure the continuation of military operations and maintain combat capabilities.

Hegseth explained that the additional funding, along with the proposed defense budget of $1.5 trillion, will allow for replenishing expended munitions, strengthening defenses against drones and missiles, and ensuring the continuation of training programs and payment of military salaries.

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For his part, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine said that the United States faces simultaneous military challenges in the Middle East, Europe, and the Indo-Pacific region, in addition to terrorism threats, noting that Washington's adversaries exchange intelligence, technology, and military capabilities, which requires maintaining US military superiority.

Caine affirmed that the US armed forces need a defense budget of $1.5 trillion to meet future challenges, calling on Congress to approve the funding 'before it is too late'.

The US officials' remarks came during a hearing dedicated to discussing the administration of President Donald Trump's request for additional defense funding, amid the ongoing repercussions of the military confrontation with Iran, and amid Pentagon assertions that the naval blockade imposed on Tehran is still achieving its objectives, and that Iran is experiencing its weakest military stage in years.