Pentagon running short on funds, largely due to Iran war: Report

The Pentagon is faced with an emerging budget crisis amid the extended fight against Iran as tensions escalate between the two countries, according to a report by The Washington Post, quoting American officials.

It was reported that several important military funding accounts might be depleted within the coming weeks and will necessitate the Defense Department to cut back on funds for training and maintenance initiatives which help maintain readiness of the forces.

The situation is likely to worsen considering the breakdown of the ceasefire agreement with Iran and the death of four US personnel in the resumption of the fighting in the country.

The Trump administration has requested $67 billion dollars in emergency funds but disagreement among the Congress has hindered the process. Considering that the House of Representatives is set for a one-month recess, no more funds are likely to be released in the near future.

House Armed Services Committee member Rep. Pat Harrigan of the Republican Party emphasized to Congress that the gravity of the situation should not be overlooked.

In response to the report release, Pentagon press secretary Sean Parnell indicated that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is still dedicated to military preparedness and that defense funding is of primary importance.

Hegseth and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Dan Caine are both going to justify the need for the emergency funds for the administration before the Senate Appropriations Committee. White House budget director Russell Vought will brief Republican Congressmen on the matter.

President Donald Trump initiated the attack against Iran towards the end of February. While he had been assuring his people that the campaign would end in a few weeks' time, the war went on much longer than initially thought.

Iran's blockage of the Strait of Hormuz caused not only military but also economic problems due to the disruption of global supply of oil and fertilizer.