US Treasury Secretary Confirms Adequate Funding for Iran Conflict as Trump Weighs All Options
In a recent interview with NBC News, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent declared that the United States possesses "plenty of money to fund" its ongoing war against Iran. He emphasized that President Donald Trump is keeping "all options on the table" as tensions escalate in the Middle East.
Legal Authority and Military Preparedness Defended
Bessent defended the administration's actions, asserting that President Trump acted within his legal authority under the War Powers Act. "President Trump was within his authority under the War Powers Act to initiate this action, and we actually now have plenty of money to fund this war. What we are doing is supplemental," he explained.
He further highlighted Trump's commitment to military strength, noting, "President Trump has built up the military as he did in his first term, as he is now doing in his second term, and he wants to make sure that the military is well supplied going forward."
Additional Pentagon Funding Under Consideration
Earlier, President Trump indicated that his administration might seek approximately $200 billion in additional funding for the Pentagon amid the war. Speaking from the Oval Office, he described this as a "small price to pay" to maintain US military readiness and ensure superiority.
Trump denied any shortages of weapons, stating, "We're asking for a lot of reasons, beyond even what we're talking about in Iran...Munitions in particular - at the high end, we have a lot, but we're preserving it."
Confirmation from US Secretary of War
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth confirmed that the Pentagon plans to request extra funding from Congress to support ongoing operations and replenish stockpiles. Referring to operations under "Operation Epic Fury" against Tehran, Hegseth remarked, "As far as USD 200 billion, I think that number could move, obviously. It takes money to kill bad guys."
Strategic Ambiguity Maintained Amid Escalating Conflict
Bessent stressed that the administration would maintain strategic ambiguity, with Trump not revealing specific plans. "He is not going to give away what we are going to do. As President Trump always does, he is leaving all options on the table," he added.
These remarks come against the backdrop of an escalating conflict that began on February 28, following joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran. This triggered retaliatory attacks by Tehran on Israel and US-linked targets across the region, disrupting key shipping routes and impacting global energy markets.
- Iran has vowed tit-for-tat strikes after Trump's 48-hour ultimatum.
- Missile attacks have injured over 40 people in Israel's 'Little India' area.
- More than 100 individuals were injured in Israel amid Iran's missile assault.
- Prime Minister Netanyahu described it as a "difficult evening in battle for future."
The situation remains fluid, with ongoing updates expected as the conflict unfolds.
