Hegseth casts Iran conflict as historic victory for US
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testified before Congress, defending the Trump administration's war against Iran and facing tough questions from skeptical Democrats. Hegseth cast the conflict as a historic victory, despite concerns over civilian deaths and the war's economic repercussions.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth appeared before the House and Senate Armed Services committees, facing questions over the Trump administration's war against Iran. Hegseth received solid Republican support, but Democrats grilled him about the war's costs, civilian deaths, and the bombing of a school that killed children. The Pentagon chief stressed the need for more drones, missile defense systems, and warships as part of the 2027 military budget proposal, which would boost defense spending to $1.5 trillion. Hegseth defended the war, criticizing 'reckless naysayers and defeatist words' from congressional Democrats and some Republicans. The conflict has resulted in 13 American troops killed and over 400 injured, with the Strait of Hormuz remaining closed and fuel prices skyrocketing. Hegseth claimed the Pentagon has an 'ironclad commitment' to preventing civilian deaths, but Democrats questioned the war's end-goals and economic repercussions.
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