The United States Department of Defence has asked for an additional $200 billion to support ongoing military operations against Iran, as the conflict continues to raise strategic and financial concerns.
A report by The Washington Post stated that the Pentagon has forwarded the request to the White House, with plans for it to be sent to Congress for approval.
The proposed figure is almost twice the total amount allocated to Ukraine since the start of Russia’s invasion in 2022. This highlights the scale of the new military demand.
Speaking on Thursday during a White House event, Trump confirmed the request, describing the war as uncertain and volatile.
“We are being very judicious. We want to have vast amounts of ammunition, but it was taken down by giving so much to Ukraine,” he said.
Data from a special inspector-general’s report shows that Congress has approved about $188 billion for Ukraine since the conflict began, with around $110 billion already spent as of December last year.
Trump defended the fresh funding request. He argued that the spending is necessary to maintain the country’s military strength.
“We want to be in the best shape we’ve ever been in. It’s a small price to pay to make sure that we stay at the top,” he added.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth did not confirm the exact amount requested. However, he acknowledged that increased funding would be required for ongoing and future operations.
“It takes money to deal with bad actors,” Hegseth said, adding that more resources are needed to handle potential threats.
“This kind of funding will ensure we are properly prepared going forward.”
White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett disclosed that the war has already cost the United States about $12 billion. His remarks raised fresh concerns about the long-term financial impact of the conflict.
The duration of the war remains unclear. When US and Israeli forces launched strikes on Iran on February 28, Trump initially predicted the operation would last four to five weeks. He later admitted that the timeline could extend.
Although the US president recently suggested the conflict might end soon, Iran has taken a firm stance. A spokesperson for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said Tehran would decide when the war concludes.
“Iran will determine when the war ends,” the spokesperson said, highlighting the deepening standoff between both countries.
