WASHINGTON, April 4 -- US President Donald Trump yesterday asked lawmakers to approve a massive US$1.5 trillion (RM6 trillion) defence budget for 2027, as the United States faces rising costs from its war with Iran and mounting global security commitments.

The proposal would lift Pentagon spending by more than 40 per cent in a single year - the sharpest increase since World War II - as Washington seeks to sustain military operations and rebuild depleted weapons stockpiles.

The request highlights the growing financial pressure of a conflict now in its fifth week, and sets up a political battle in Congress over how to fund a dramatic expansion of military spending.

US media - citing closed-door congressional briefings - have reported tha...