Key facts
- US military forces have conducted 10 nights of strikes against Iranian military sites.
- Three US service members were killed in retaliatory strikes by Iran.
- Defense Secretary Hegseth requested supplemental funds for military readiness.
- Senate Democrats questioned the war's success and rejected the funding request.
- The administration's request for $67 billion in supplemental funds was denied.
US military forces have conducted 10 consecutive nights of strikes against Iranian military sites, following President Donald Trump's declaration of an end to the ceasefire. Central Command officials stated these actions were a response to Iranian aggression against civilian ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The conflict has resulted in the deaths of three US service members due to retaliatory strikes by Iran over the weekend. Trump has vowed to continue the military operations until Iranian leaders comply with American demands.
Defense Secretary Hegseth appeared before a Senate panel, attempting to justify the conflict as a necessary expense and urging lawmakers to approve supplemental funds totaling approximately $37.5 billion over the past five months. He highlighted urgent needs such as compensation, critical fuel shortfalls, and equipment replacement. However, Senate Democratic appropriators expressed skepticism regarding the war's progress and the necessity of further financial contributions, pointing to $75 billion in unused funds from the previous year's legislation. They rejected the administration's request for $67 billion in supplemental funds before the end of the fiscal year in September, viewing it as an attempt to bypass the standard appropriations process. Senator Patty Murray, vice chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, stated that the request did not appear to be an emergency.