Pentagon seeks nearly $70 billion more as Iran strikes continue
Al Jazeera reported Tehran activated air defenses on the 11th night of US strikes, while the Pentagon seeks more war funding.
By Sofia Marchetti · World Affairs Correspondent
2 min read
Iran activated air defense systems across Tehran during the 11th night of US strikes, Al Jazeera reported, marking a further intensification of the war near the Iranian capital. The Pentagon is also seeking nearly $70 billion in additional funding to sustain the campaign, according to Al Jazeera.
Al Jazeera reported that the new request would come on top of $37.5 billion already spent on the war. The broadcaster said Hegseth wants the added money to keep the fighting going.
Air defenses active in Tehran
According to Al Jazeera, Iran brought air defenses online across Tehran as US strikes continued for an 11th night. The report said the war is moving closer to the capital, though it did not give further details on targets, damage or casualties.
The development puts Tehran more directly in the frame of the conflict, based on Al Jazeera’s account. Air defense activity in the capital signals that Iranian authorities were responding to the threat of strikes over or near the city.
War costs rise
The Pentagon’s request for nearly $70 billion more would sharply expand the financial cost of the campaign, according to Al Jazeera. The report said the war has already cost $37.5 billion.
Al Jazeera attributed the funding push to the Pentagon and said the money is intended to sustain the war. It did not report a timeline for approval of the request or provide details on how the additional funds would be used.
The report was presented by Al Jazeera’s Marah Rayan and published on July 22, 2026. It linked the request for more funding to the continuing US strikes and the activation of air defenses in Tehran.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.