Axios: Hegseth wants billions more for Iran war

Posted on March 19, 2026 by michelleclarke2015
Hegseth wants billions more for Iran war
 
Photo illustration: Allie Carl/Axios. Photo: Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images & PhotoQuest via Getty Images

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed today that the Pentagon will ask Congress for more money to wage war in Iran, Axios’ Dave Lawler reports.

The Washington Post reported last night that the Pentagon asked the White House to request more than $200 billion. (Gift link.)

Hegseth said that figure “could move,” and that the Pentagon wants to boost weapons production to ensure adequate stockpiles. 

Hegseth, at a press conference this morning: “Obviously it takes money to kill bad guys, so we’re going back to Congress and our folks there to ensure that we’re properly funded for what’s been done, for what we may have to do in the future, ensure that our ammunition is refilled, and not just refilled, but above and beyond.” 

A request on that scale would likely face stiff opposition from many Democrats and some Republicans.

The war in Iran is unpopular, and the Pentagon already has a $1 trillion budget.

The cost of the war has reportedly run into the billions — but nowhere near $200 billion. 

Hegseth’s request could turn into a referendum on the war.

Appearing on Fox Business, Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) called the $200 billion figure “a little tall.” “They do need to come to … Capitol Hill and tell us what that money is going to be spent on.” Go deeper. 

Meanwhile: Six U.S. allies announced their support for a potential coalition to reopen the Strait of Hormuz — but didn’t commit to sending naval vessels or other resources.

For now, it’slargely a gesture to placate President Trump, who has railed against allies for declining to help secure the vital shipping corridor. More from Barak Ravid.
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About michelleclarke2015

Life event that changes all: Horse riding accident in Zimbabwe in 1993, a fractured skull et al including bipolar anxiety, chronic fatigue …. co-morbidities (Nietzche 'He who has the reason why can deal with any how' details my health history from 1993 to date). 17th 2017 August operation for breast cancer (no indications just an appointment came from BreastCheck through the Post). Trinity College Dublin Business Economics and Social Studies (but no degree) 1997-2003; UCD 1997/1998 night classes) essays, projects, writings. Trinity Horizon Programme 1997/98 (Centre for Women Studies Trinity College Dublin/St. Patrick's Foundation (Professor McKeon) EU Horizon funded: research study of 15 women (I was one of this group and it became the cornerstone of my journey to now 2017) over 9 mth period diagnosed with depression and their reintegration into society, with special emphasis on work, arts, further education; Notes from time at Trinity Horizon Project 1997/98; Articles written for Irishhealth.com 2003/2004; St Patricks Foundation monthly lecture notes for a specific period in time; Selection of Poetry including poems written by people I know; Quotations 1998-2017; other writings mainly with theme of social justice under the heading Citizen Journalism Ireland. Letters written to friends about life in Zimbabwe; Family history including Michael Comyn KC, my grandfather, my grandmother's family, the O'Donnellan ffrench Blake-Forsters; Moral wrong: An acrimonious divorce but the real injustice was the Catholic Church granting an annulment – you can read it and make your own judgment, I have mine. Topics I have written about include annual Brain Awareness week, Mashonaland Irish Associataion in Zimbabwe, Suicide (a life sentence to those left behind); Nostalgia: Tara Hill, Co. Meath.
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