The US Department of Defence requests $200 billion in additional funding to support military operations against Iran, marking a major escalation in US defense spending

The United States Department of Defence has requested approximately $200 billion in additional funding to support military operations against Iran, signalling a significant escalation in US military spending.

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The Pentagon submitted the request to the White House, seeking approval before it is forwarded to Congress for consideration.

The proposed amount nearly doubles the total US aid approved for Ukraine since Russia’s 2022 invasion, The Washington Post reported.

Speaking at a White House event, US President Donald Trump described the conflict as highly unpredictable, defending the funding as essential to maintaining military readiness.

“We are being very judicious. We want to have vast amounts of ammunition, but it was taken down by giving so much to Ukraine,” Trump said.

“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.”

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth did not confirm the $200 billion figure directly but highlighted the necessity of increased military funding, stating,

“It takes money to deal with bad actors. This kind of funding will ensure we are properly prepared going forward.”

White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett reported that the conflict has already cost the United States roughly $12 billion.

The duration of the conflict remains uncertain. Following US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, Trump initially suggested a timeline of four to five weeks, but later admitted the war could take longer.

Iranian officials, including a spokesperson for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, emphasised that Iran will determine the end of hostilities.

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The funding request underscores the growing scale and unpredictability of US operations in the region, raising questions about the financial and strategic implications for American defense policy moving forward.