The United States completed its 12th consecutive night of strikes on Iran on July 23, as the House approved a $95 billion budget framework to fund the escalating conflict. House Republicans narrowly passed the budget resolution in a 216-214 party-line vote, advancing a long-shot effort to unlock funding for the Iran war and other White House priorities.
The strikes mark the continuation of a military campaign that resumed after President Trump declared the ceasefire with Iran “over” on July 8, citing Iranian attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump had extended the initial ceasefire indefinitely on April 21, but tensions reignited as Iran continued striking ships in the strategic waterway, prompting the administration to resume offensive operations.
The $95 billion budget package passed Wednesday will now advance to the Senate, where its fate remains uncertain. The proposal ties Iran war funding to other Republican priorities, including farm aid and election-related measures. Separately, the House also passed a $1.15 trillion defense bill on the same day, setting the Pentagon budget at record levels.
The White House had requested $87.6 billion in supplemental funding in late June, with the bulk designated for the conflict. According to testimony from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the Iran war has already cost $37.5 billion since fighting began. The request included $21 billion to recoup munitions used in the campaign, along with other defense-related spending.
The 12-night strike campaign represents a significant escalation in the military response. The strikes have targeted Iranian military infrastructure and strategic assets across multiple locations, with the U.S. military using B-1 long-range bombers and other aircraft. The campaign reflects Trump’s stated determination to pressure Iran militarily while diplomatic talks continue between the two nations.
The narrow House vote underscores deep partisan divisions over the war. Democrats have opposed the funding request, with some lawmakers introducing legislation to block appropriations for the conflict. Some Republican senators have also expressed skepticism about additional spending, though the party-line budget resolution advanced without Democratic support.
The House’s approval of both the defense bill and the Iran war budget framework signals Republican determination to pursue the military strategy, even as the Senate faces pressure from both sides to either support or block further escalation. The outcome in the upper chamber will determine whether the administration can secure the full $95 billion package to sustain operations through the remainder of the fiscal year.
Sources
- Wikipedia — Confirmed that on July 23, 2026, the US concluded its 12th consecutive evening of strikes in Iran
- New York Times — Reported House Republicans won narrow approval of their $95 billion budget proposal on Wednesday, July 22
- Associated Press — Documented the 216-214 House vote on the budget resolution and the $1.15 trillion defense bill passage
- Reuters — Reported Trump declared the ceasefire “over” on July 8 and Iran’s strikes on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz
- CNN — Explained that Iran kept striking vessels, which the administration cited as reason for ending the ceasefire
- CNBC — Reported the White House request for $87.6 billion in supplemental funding on June 24
- Breaking Defense — Documented that the supplemental included $21 billion for munitions and to strengthen the defense industrial base
- PBS NewsHour — Reported Defense Secretary Hegseth’s testimony that the Iran war has cost $37.5 billion so far
