BBC News Afrique
·Jul 2026
War against Iran: what is at stake without these funds, Hegseth tells US Senate
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth urged the Senate to approve 87 billion dollars in additional Pentagon funding, warning of critical deficits affecting troop pay, training and operations as the war against Iran escalates. The request sparked protests and partisan clashes, with Democrats questioning the necessity of the funds and Republicans divided over deficit concerns. Officials indicated the true cost of the conflict likely exceeds the stated 37.5 billion dollars, while recent US military casualties in Iraq and Jordan were confirmed. Congressional timing makes rapid approval unlikely, prolonging uncertainty for the Pentagon as hostilities between the US and Iran continue.