By Cesar Reyes
The Pentagon this Tuesday estimated the cost of the Iran war at $29 billion dollarswhich represents an increase of about $4,000 million more than those recognized two weeks ago.
The acting chief financial officer of the Pentagon, Jules Hurst III, who had set the expenditure at $25 billion on April 29, assured during a congressional hearing that the figure is constantly being reviewed.
The appearance at the Capitol originates on the same day that it was learned that the United States Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased in April to 3.8% year-on-year, the highest level since May 2023 and slightly above market forecasts, which predicted higher energy prices due to the war in Iran.
In that economic context, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth testifies this Tuesday in the House of Representatives and the Senate about the $1.5 trillion budget request for the Pentagon for next year, which does not include the separate part intended to cover the cost of the war that Congress has been waiting for weeks.
Both Democrats and Republicans demand that the Pentagon send the request immediately so that the legislative branch can control the evolution of the military intervention that has not been authorized by the Capitol.
“Congress needs to know how much money is required to fund operational activities, maintenance of deployed shipsreplenishment of lost ammunition and equipment, fuel costs and repairs to US facilities in the region,” said Democratic Congresswoman Betty McCollum.
However, the detailed delivery of the budget does not arrive and Hegseth did not clarify in his appearance when it would occur since he assured that they would present to Congress what they consider “necessary.”
The intervention in the Capitol originates when the ceasefire is at its weakest moment after the president of the United States himself, Donald Trump will describe Tehran’s response to Washington’s peace proposal as “totally unacceptable”of which the details are unknown.
Trump said this Tuesday that he is in no hurry to close a peace agreement with Iran that does not meet the objectives of the war launched by his country and Israel since the naval blockade of Iranian coasts and ports gives them an advantage in the dialogue. EFE
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