Pentagon seeks $200 billion to fund Iran war: Report

The Trump administration is weighing a significant expansion of its military footprint in the Middle East, including the possible deployment of thousands of US troops, as it considers next steps in the ongoing Iran campaign, Reuters reported. Citing a US official and multiple sources familiar with the discussions, Reuters said the proposed deployments are aimed at giving President Donald Trump broader options as the war is into its third week. The additional forces could support a range of military objectives, including securing safe passage for oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy route, primarily using air and naval assets. However, sources said the mission could also extend to deploying ground troops along Iran’s shoreline.
Despite the planning, no final decision has been taken. “There has been no decision to send ground troops at this time, but President Trump wisely keeps all options at his disposal,” a White House official told Reuters. The official added that Trump remains focused on the objectives of Operation Epic Fury, including dismantling Iran’s missile capabilities, weakening its naval forces and preventing it from acquiring nuclear weapons.
The Pentagon has asked the White House to approve a more than $200 billion request to the US Congress to fund the war in Iran, the Washington Post reports, citing a senior administration official. The proposed funding would be submitted to the US Congress and is aimed at covering the expanding costs of the conflict, including replenishing weapons and boosting military production. The Defense Department has sought large funding packages to replenish precision munitions that have been rapidly depleted as US and Israeli forces have struck thousands of targets over the past three weeks. It remains unclear how much the White House will ultimately ask Congress to approve, with some officials doubting the Pentagon's request has a realistic chance of passing.