Hegseth on seeking $200 billion for Iran war: "That number could move"

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed Thursday that the Pentagon is requesting additional congressional funding to wage war in Iran, though he indicated the reported $200 billion figure is negotiable. The Washington Post first reported the Pentagon had asked the White House to seek more than $200 billion to accelerate weapons production and replenish ammunition stockpiles depleted during the conflict. The request faces likely resistance from Democrats and some Republicans given the war's unpopularity and the Pentagon's existing $1 trillion annual budget. Senator Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) called the figure "a little tall" and demanded transparency on spending details, signaling the request could become a contentious congressional battle. The $200 billion amount exceeds the annual defense spending of every nation except the U.S. and China.