How long can the US continue its military operations against Iran?
For over 10 consecutive days, the US has launched relentless attacks against Iran in this third round of conflict, leaving the nation with little room to breathe. However, this military operation has also faced substantial criticism from Democrats in Congress.
There is intense controversy surrounding the funding package intended for the Middle East war
Some lawmakers directly confronted Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, accusing him of squandering money and spending unreasonably. Initially, international experts agreed that if Congress failed to approve additional funding, the US could sustain its war with Iran for only a few more weeks. Experts pointed to two primary reasons among many: an immediate depletion of operational cash and mounting domestic economic and political pressure. Senior Pentagon officials warned that core US military operational funds could run out by the end of July, necessitating a financial top-up. Regarding economic and political pressure, Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz drove US oil prices to record highs. Furthermore, with the midterm elections approaching, the American public is growing increasingly dissatisfied with this “endless war”—placing heavy pressure on the Trump administration to urgently seek a negotiated settlement.
However, the situation has now shifted
On July 22, the US House of Representatives approved a $95 billion funding bill, with the majority earmarked for the Pentagon to fund military operations against Iran. News agency AFP reported on July 23, 2026, that the measure passed by a narrow vote of 216 to 214 and has been sent to the Senate. Under the package, $73 billion is allocated to the armed forces and intelligence agencies specifically to fund operations related to the war against Iran. Meanwhile, $12 billion will assist those affected by Trump’s trade wars, and another $10 billion will be directed toward election-related programs.
This approval gives the US solid ground
enabling it to continue the war against Iran for several more months—or possibly over a year—depending on the scale of operations.
