Don’t call it a ‘quagmire’: defense secretary refuses to speculate on length of Iran war
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth refused to speculate on the length of the Iran war during a congressional hearing, criticizing lawmakers who questioned the conflict's purpose and goals. The war, which began on Feb. 28, has cost $25 billion and is approaching a 60-day deadline under the War Powers Act.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced tough questions from Congress on the Iran war during a hearing on the Pentagon's $1.45 trillion budget request. Hegseth deflected queries on the conflict's future, labeling critics 'reckless, feckless and defeatist.' The operation, launched on Feb. 28, aimed to destroy Iran's missile capability, 'annihilate' their navy, and prevent nuclear weapons development. The war has killed Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and destroyed key military installations, but Iran continues to have nuclear ambitions. The conflict has cost $25 billion to date. A 60-day deadline under the War Powers Act approaches, requiring President Donald Trump to seek congressional authorization to continue the operation or withdraw troops.
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