The US Defense Department will ask Congress to approve approximately $80 billion to cover costs from the war with Iran and other military expenses, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday.

President Donald Trump has faced criticism from Americans who accuse him of directing billions of taxpayer dollars towards the Middle East conflict whilst oil prices and inflation surge domestically.

Deputy Defense Secretary Stephen Feinberg shared the funding request with lawmakers this week, the Journal reported, citing sources familiar with the discussions.

Pentagon leaders have warned they risk running out of money for operations in the coming months unless Congress passes a new wartime spending bill.

The military may need to reduce training exercises and troop deployment along the US-Mexico border as part of Trump’s immigration enforcement measures, according to the report.

The Pentagon reported last month that the cost of the war with Iran had reached nearly $29 billion, although Democrats and other critics have suggested the actual cost – including damage caused by Iran – could be substantially higher.

Concerns over the war depleting US weapons stockpiles intensified last month after Acting US Navy Secretary Hung Cao cited the conflict as a reason for suspending arms sales to Taiwan.

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed suggestions of a munitions stockpile crisis when questioned in an interview.

According to the Journal, some of the $80 billion, if approved, would fund munitions, personnel salaries and ship operations.

The war, which began following US-Israeli strikes on Tehran in late February, has engulfed the oil-rich Middle East and disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil supplies.

A deal to end the war faced setbacks on Friday after fighting erupted between Israel and Iran-backed group Hezbollah in Lebanon, and peace talks in Switzerland were postponed.

Several lawmakers have stated they will not support additional war funding unless the conflict receives proper congressional authorisation.

Democrats have accused Trump of violating the Constitution by initiating the war without congressional approval.

Under the War Powers Act, presidents have 60 days to obtain congressional authorisation after deploying US forces into hostile situations.

That deadline passed several weeks ago, and Democrats maintain Trump is now operating outside the law.

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