Senator Murray Questions Hegseth on Iran War and Defense Spending

Reporting cited here

1. estimate

   The Pentagon's May 12, 2026 estimate put costs of the Iran military campaign at about $29 billion. Hurst subsequently described that estimate as largely munitions and operational expenditures, excluding military construction.

   Increasing Costs of War with Iran section: May 12 cost-to-date figure and Hurst's military-construction exclusion.

   Pentagon's May 2026 estimate put Iran war costs at $29 billion, excluding military construction · Historical cost estimate through May 12, 2026; excludes military construction