Pentagon Chief Defends War Aims, Slams Critics
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth appeared before Congress for the first time since the initiation of the Iran war, confronting pointed questions regarding the conflict's mounting cost and its strategic direction. Hegseth, speaking to the House Armed Services Committee, asserted that the U.S. is engaged in an "existential fight for the safety of the American people" to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. He characterized opposition from some lawmakers as "reckless, feckless and defeatist."
The conflict, launched in February, has already incurred an estimated $25 billion in costs, with the bulk spent on munitions, according to acting Pentagon comptroller Jay Hurst.
Hegseth faced accusations from Democratic lawmakers of mismanaging the war and misrepresenting its justifications to the public. They pointed to rising global oil prices, a direct consequence of the conflict, as a burden on American households. Doubts were also raised about President Trump's earlier claims that Iran's nuclear program had been "completely obliterated," with UN nuclear agency head Grossi indicating that significant quantities of enriched uranium likely remain at Iran's Isfahan complex.
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Congressional Scrutiny and Administration Responses
The hearing, which stretched for over five hours, saw lawmakers from both sides of the aisle press Hegseth on various aspects of the war. The Pentagon's recent ouster of several top military leaders, including Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George, also became a focal point of the questioning.
Hegseth's testimony comes as the administration has yet to submit a supplemental spending request to Congress to finance the war. President Trump has maintained that economic pressure, including a naval blockade, is intended to force Iran to accept a deal to end the conflict and abandon its nuclear ambitions. Trump has also stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed willingness to assist in removing enriched uranium from Iran.
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Background of the Conflict
The war in Iran began in February, reportedly following claims by the Trump administration that Iran's nuclear facilities posed an imminent threat. This move was undertaken without explicit congressional approval, a fact repeatedly highlighted by skeptical Democrats. President Trump had initially suggested the conflict would be resolved within weeks, a timeline that has clearly not materialized.
The hearing also touched upon the broader geopolitical landscape, with President Trump asserting that King Charles shares the U.S. stance against Iran obtaining nuclear weapons. The conflict's impact extends beyond military and economic spheres, with reports of disruptions to events such as the World Cup due to the ongoing hostilities.
