US Defence Department Seeks $80 Billion for Iran Costs and Other Expenses: WSJ
The United States Department of Defence has requested an $80 billion funding package to cover costs related to military operations against Iran and other non-war-related bills, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal. Deputy Defence Secretary Stephen Feinberg communicated the request to lawmakers during phone calls this week, the report said, citing people familiar with the matter.
The supplemental request, which is expected to be sent to Congress soon, would also include funds for non-defence priorities such as farm and disaster relief, the newspaper reported. Neither the Pentagon nor the White House has commented on the report.
Lawmakers have been pressing the Trump administration to provide detailed cost breakdowns associated with the conflict with Iran. The reported $80 billion figure has not been independently verified, and the actual costs of the military engagement remain unclear.
The request comes amid ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran, following a series of escalations that included the US killing of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani in a drone strike in January 2020. The US has since maintained a military presence in the region, conducting operations against Iranian-backed forces.
Critics have raised concerns about the lack of transparency regarding the financial implications of the conflict. The requested funding would require congressional approval, and the legislative process is expected to involve debate over the scope of the military mission and budgetary priorities.
