In brief
The White House has formally asked lawmakers to approve $87.6 billion in funding – almost all earmarked for the U.S. war on Iran – following a congressional resolution that rebuked the military action. About $67bn will go to the Department of Defense, split among munitions, operational costs and secret programmes. The proposal faces a tough political journey, with the conflict unpopular among voters and the 2026 midterm elections looming. Meanwhile, the package includes allocations for U.S. farmers and an Ebola outbreak response. Trump’s push highlights the tension between executive war powers and congressional oversight in a climate of heightened war criticism.
U.S. Budget Request for Iran Conflict
The White House is asking Congress to approve $87.6bn – roughly $66.5bn in pounds – to cover the US war on Iran.
The bulk of the requested money, about $67bn, is earmarked for the Department of Defence. This includes $21bn for munitions, $17.3bn for operational costs and $12.1bn for classified programmes.
Additional allocations are directed to unrelated measures: $11bn for U.S. farmers and $1.4bn to help fight an Ebola outbreak in Central Africa.
The request is being sent ahead of a hard‑fought vote in Congress, as the Iran conflict remains unpopular with the electorate and the 2026 midterm elections approach.
Official letter highlights the urgency of funding the so‑called Operation Epic Fury. It also proposes about $300m to enhance security at U.S. embassies and diplomatic posts across the Middle East and South Asia following recent attacks.
Congress has already passed a resolution urging the administration to halt the military action. White House officials say the Pentagon needs to rebuild stocks after recent strikes in Tehran.
The budget request underscores the tension between President Trump’s executive war powers and congressional oversight, a debate frayed by recent criticism of the war’s legitimacy and cost.
