The U.S. Department of Defense plans to request more than $2 trillion (approximately 300 trillion won) from Congress to prepare for a potential full-scale war with Iran. Officials indicate this massive allocation covers non-routine joint operations with Israel lasting beyond three weeks.
Escalating Costs from Recent Strikes
Recent U.S.-Israel airstrikes have already incurred significant expenses. In the first week alone, munitions costs exceeded $110 million (about 16.5 billion won). Sources close to the matter confirm that such expenditures highlight the need for expanded production of critical weapons amid ongoing munitions shortages.
Current U.S. stockpiles of missiles and guided munitions for aircraft remain critically low. Public opposition grows as citizens in war-affected areas express frustration over diverted resources.
Congressional Approval Faces Obstacles
Analysts predict strong resistance in Congress. Lawmakers question the feasibility, noting that seizing Iranian oil revenues—previously proposed at 60 percent through full-scale operations—remains legally challenging. White House insiders view the request as unrealistic given fiscal priorities.
Trump Administration Precedents
During Donald Trump’s first term, the Defense Department allocated $1.88 billion (about 282 billion won) for Ukraine aid. A subsequent proposal to capture an additional $1.5 billion in Iranian oil revenues for munitions procurement was blocked by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
Officials emphasize that further escalation could strain resources, urging a balanced approach to all ongoing operations.
