US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has confirmed the Pentagon is seeking at least $200 billion from the White House to fund the war in Iran.
“As far as $200 billion, I think that number could move, obviously,” Hegseth told a Pentagon briefing when asked about the figure, which was first reported in The Washington Post.
“It takes money to kill bad guys, so we’re going back to Congress and folks there to ensure we’re properly funded for what’s been done, for what we may have to do in the future.”
He said this included ammunition being refilled “above and beyond”. Hegseth blamed former US president Joe Biden for “depleting” stocks and sending them to Ukraine.
“This kind of funding bill is going to ensure that we’re properly funded going forward,” he said.
A senior administration official also told the Associated Press the $200 billion request had been made.