Hegseth says Iran war budget ‘fiscally responsible’ after Pentagon increases cost to $29 billion

From USA TODAY.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Tuesday said the Trump administration has a plan to escalate the war in Iran "if necessary" as the Pentagon raised the war’s overall cost to $29 billion nine weeks into the conflict.

Pentagon officials disclosed the increased cost, up from $25 billion projected last week, during a House Appropriation subcommittee meeting while a ceasefire between the United States and Iran hangs in the balance.

Read more: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2026/05/12/iran-war-trump-ceasefire-updates–live/90034878007/