During a contentious Senate hearing, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth disclosed that military operations against Iran have accumulated approximately $37.5 billion in expenditures to date. The announcement emerged amid intense scrutiny from lawmakers and public demonstrations, occurring as Congress deliberates a substantial $95 billion Republican-backed defense budget proposal. This disclosure highlights the significant fiscal implications of ongoing Middle East military commitments and raises questions about budgetary priorities and long-term strategic costs.

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