Pentagon Seeks $200 Billion for US Campaign Against Iran (3)

March 19, 2026, 11:23 PM UTC

The Pentagon has asked for an additional $200 billion from Congress to pay for the war against Iran, a person familiar with the matter said, as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth argued that the campaign was ahead of schedule and disputed that the US was getting embroiled in a quagmire.

The person, who asked not to be identified discussing private deliberations, said that the request has been sent to the White House for review and President Donald Trump has yet to sign off. Asked about the figure on Thursday, Hegseth didn’t deny it but said the number could move.

“It takes ...

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