Update on Military Operations in Iran

During a press conference at the Pentagon on March 19, 2026, Army Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that the Pentagon has requested $200 billion from the White House for ongoing military actions in Iran, known as “Operation Epic Fury,” which commenced on February 28.

“As far as $200 billion, I think that number can move. Obviously, it costs money to kill bad guys, so we’re going to go back to Congress and say, ‘What’s been done so far, what needs to be done in the future?’ We’re going to ensure that we’re properly funded,” Hegseth stated. He added that although President Trump had enhanced military capabilities in his first term, Hegseth didn’t expect the military to be used so actively during the second term.

The proposed amount significantly surpasses the reported expenditures for neutralizing the Iranian regime. On March 5, the Pentagon noted that approximately $11.3 billion had already been spent within the first week of operations. This suggests Hegseth may be planning for U.S. defense initiatives that extend beyond just Iran.

“Investments like this mean ‘replace everything you spend.’ And now… we are reviving our defense industrial base and rebuilding the weapons of freedom,” he mentioned.

It remains uncertain whether the White House will approve the funding request. Perspectives on the request appear mixed within Congress, with Democrats primarily opposing it and Republicans generally favoring it.

Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.) expressed concerns, mentioning, “We are dangerously short on some of the munitions stockpiles we would need in the event of a conflict with China in the Western Pacific, which, God forbid, no one wants.”

Conversely, Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), referenced the costs of the Iraq War and remarked, “If the Pentagon is asking for $200 billion, they’re asking for the long game. The answer is simply no.”

Hegseth applauded Trump’s backing of the military, contrasting it with former President Biden’s provision of U.S. weapon stockpiles to Ukraine amidst its conflict with Russia.

“Ultimately, we believe that at this time, these munitions are better used for our benefit,” Hegseth concluded.