US says needs $80bn for Iran war, other bills: report

Published June 19, 2026 Updated June 19, 2026 02:46pm

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

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 US.

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.

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