Skip next section What you need to know
What you need to know
- Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth requests fresh funding for Iran War in remarks to senators
- Republicans unveil $95 billion military funding plan
- Hegseth’s testimony was interrrupted by protesters against the Iran war
- US strikes Iran for 11th consecutive night, CENTCOM says
- Trump allows direct US flights to Lebanon in historic decision
Follow below for the latest developments on the US war with Iran and the wider Middle East:
Skip next section US launches 11th consecutive night of strikes on Iran07/22/2026July 22, 2026
US launches 11th consecutive night of strikes on Iran
The US military says it has begun an 11th consecutive night of strikes against targets in Iran.
US Central Command, or CENTCOM, said the operation started at 7 p.m. Eastern Time (11 p.m. UTC/GMT) and is aimed at further reducing Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
The latest attacks are part of an ongoing US campaign targeting Iranian military capabilities linked to maritime operations and regional security.
Iranian media reported fresh explosions around Sirik in southern Iran.
https://p.dw.com/p/5HX0cSkip next section Pentagon seeks billions more for Iran war07/22/2026July 22, 2026
Pentagon seeks billions more for Iran war
US Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth faced tough questioning from lawmakers on Tuesday as he defended the growing cost of the US military campaign against Iran.
Speaking before the Senate Appropriations Committee, Hegseth said the conflict has so far cost $37.5 billion (€32.89 billion), a figure significantly higher than earlier estimates. He argued that additional funding is urgently needed, warning that the military faces critical shortfalls without it.
The hearing was repeatedly interrupted by protesters and came days after the Pentagon confirmed that three more US service members had died in the conflict, bringing the American death toll to 17.
Democratic senators challenged both the cost and direction of the war. Senator Patty Murray warned of “another forever war,” while other lawmakers questioned why the Pentagon was seeking more funding when some previously approved military spending has yet to be used.
The debate comes as Republicans push a $95 billion budget package that includes tens of billions for the military and national security, as well as funding for agriculture and election-related measures.
Meanwhile, opinion polls suggest many Americans remain critical of US President Donald Trump’s handling of the conflict as fighting with Iran continues.
https://p.dw.com/p/5HX0LSkip next section Welcome to our coverage07/22/2026July 22, 2026
Welcome to our coverage
Wesley Dockery Editor
Welcome to our coverage of the US war with Iran.
US Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth spoke before the Senate Appropriations Committee and asked for urgent additional funds for the Iran war. The conflict so far has cost the US an estimated $37.5 billion (€32.89 billion).
It comes as the US military says it is striking Iran for the 11th consecutive night.
Stay tuned as we bring you the latest on the US conflict with Iran and other developments from the Middle East.
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