Pentagon asks Congress for $80 billion to pay for Iran war

This week, Pentagon officials informed lawmakers that the U.S. military requires a massive $80 billion infusion to cover the four-month conflict with Iran and other outstanding operational bills.

Without this emergency funding, the Department of Defense warns that basic operations and military training exercises could run out of money by this summer. While specific combat costs for the Iran campaign are estimated near $29 billion, the larger request covers replenishing depleted munitions, equipment repairs, and non-defense disaster relief. Republican lawmakers are currently demanding a full audit of the mission's scope before agreeing to use more taxpayer funds for Middle East operations.

Congress is expected to vote on the spending package later this month as a formal peace deal with Iran is finalized.