Punch Nigeria

US needs $80bn for Iran war, others – Official

Q: What is this africa story about?

The US Defence Department is requesting $80 billion from Congress to cover the escalating costs of the US Iran War and other military expenses. Learn more Read More: https://punchng.com/us-says-needs-80bn-for-iran-war-other-bills/

Q: Who published this story?

This story was published by Punch Nigeria on June 19, 2026 and curated on Africa Front.

Q: What related topics does this story cover?

Security & Conflict, Arts & Culture, Nigeria News, Niger News

June 19, 2026

Share Report:

US needs $80bn for Iran war, others – Official

US President Donald Trump gestures as he boards Air Force One at Geneva Airport en route to Versailles after attending the G7 summit, in Geneva on June 17, 2026. (Photo by MARTIAL TREZZINI / POOL / AFP)

Kindly share this story:

The US Defence Department will ask Congress to approve around $80 billion to cover costs from the Iran war and other expenses, the Wall Street Journal reported Thursday.

President Donald Trump has faced backlash from Americans who accuse him of pouring billions of taxpayer dollars into the Middle East conflict while oil prices and inflation skyrocket in the United States.

Deputy Defence Secretary Stephen Feinberg shared the request with lawmakers this week, the Journal said, citing people familiar with the discussions.

Pentagon leaders have said they risk running out of money for operations in the coming months unless Congress passes a new wartime spending bill, the newspaper said.

The military may need to cut back on training and troop deployment along the US-Mexico border as part of Trump’s immigration crackdown, it added.

The Pentagon said last month the cost of the war with Iran had climbed to nearly $29 billion, although Democrats and other critics of the war have suggested the true cost — including damage inflicted by Iran — could be far higher.

Concerns over the war straining US weapons stockpiles also deepened last month after Acting US Navy Secretary Hung Cao cited the conflict as a reason for pausing arms sales to Taiwan.

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed the idea when asked in an interview if there was a crisis in munitions stockpiles.

US says goodbye to Air Force One as Trump’s Qatari jet awaits takeoff

FG to let journalists join troops during military operations

Iran-US deal under strain after Swiss talks postponed

Some of the $80 billion, if approved, would go towards munitions, personnel pay and ship operations, the Journal cited a source as saying.

The war, triggered by US-Israeli strikes on Tehran in late February, has engulfed the crude-rich Middle East and choked the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for the world’s oil supplies.

A deal to end the war was under strain on Friday after fighting flared between Israel and Iran-backed group Hezbollah in Lebanon and talks in Switzerland were postponed.

Some lawmakers have said they will not vote to back additional funding for the war unless the conflict receives congressional authorisation.

Democrats have accused Trump of violating the Constitution by starting the war without Congress’s backing.

Under the War Powers Act, presidents have 60 days to obtain congressional approval after introducing US forces into hostilities.

That deadline passed weeks ago, and Democrats say Trump is now breaking the law.

AFP

Kindly share this story:

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.

Contact: [email protected]

UPDATE NEWS: As a Nigerian living in Nigeria or diaspora, you can now earn about ₦17- ₦25Million when you acquire premium domains for as low as $2500. You get paid in US Dollars. Ideal for Civil/public servants, Entrepreneurs, Accountants, Doctors, IT Experts and many others. Click here to start.

Stay informed and ahead of the curve! Follow The Punch Newspaper on WhatsApp for real-time updates, breaking news, and exclusive content. Don't miss a headline – join now!

Stay in the know—fast. Get instant alerts, breaking headlines, and exclusive stories with the Punch News App. Download now and never miss a beat.

6 minutes ago Ronaldo fans flood Bruno Fernandes’ Instagram, demand more respect, service for CR7

28 minutes ago