The cost of the U.S. war with Iran is projected to reach $37.5 billion (approximately 55.6 trillion won) by the end of the current fiscal year on September 30.
On July 21, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth testified before the Senate Appropriations Committee, stating that this figure includes actual expenditures to date as well as anticipated military salaries and operational and maintenance costs through the end of September.
The Trump administration has requested an additional budget of $87.6 billion (approximately 129.8 trillion won) from Congress to cover war expenses, with about $67 billion (approximately 99.3 trillion won) allocated for the Department of Defense.
However, there is controversy surrounding the need for additional funding, as approximately $75 billion (about 111.1 trillion won) from last year's budget remains unspent. Hegseth explained that these funds are intended for projects aimed at rebuilding military capabilities.
When asked whether U.S. forces could destroy the so-called 'Pickaxe Mountain,' believed to be linked to Iran's nuclear program near Natanz, Hegseth declined to comment, stating that military capabilities are classified.
He emphasized that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons is a core objective of the war, citing North Korea's enhancement of conventional forces while developing nuclear capabilities. Hegseth argued that operations targeting Iran's missile launch sites, defense industry infrastructure, and navy are part of efforts to deter nuclear armament.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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