US Senate hearing turns heated over Iran war funding request

Tensions ran high during a US Senate hearing to discuss the Department of Defense’s request for an additional $87 billion in funding to support ongoing military operations against Iran, according to US broadcaster WZMQ 19.

The channel reported that senior military officials said the war with Iran has so far cost around $37.5 billion, emphasizing the need to invest in advanced technologies and artificial intelligence to maintain US military superiority. US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated that “inaction is not an option,” warning that rivals continue to boost their military and technological investments.

The new funding request sparked debate among both Democratic and Republican senators. Democratic Senator Kirsten Gillibrand objected to the $1.5 trillion defense budget, criticizing the allocation of large sums for armaments while basic needs of American citizens remain underfunded.

Republican Senator John Kennedy questioned Iran’s nuclear ambitions, while Hegseth noted that the Iranian regime continues to pursue nuclear capabilities despite military operations targeting its facilities.

The session also saw heightened tension over US troop losses in the conflict, with Democratic Senator Gary Peters sharply criticizing the defense secretary and holding political leaders responsible for the lack of a clear strategy for victory.

Earlier this month, the US president announced the end of the ceasefire with Iran, leading to an escalation in fighting, according to WZMQ 19.