Pentagon chief spars with Democratic lawmakers on Iran war
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth clashed with Democratic lawmakers over the Iran war, defending the conflict's objectives and estimated $25 billion cost. Hegseth faced criticism over the war's regional fallout, toll on US troops, and lack of a clear plan to achieve objectives.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth appeared before the House Armed Services Committee, where he clashed with Democratic lawmakers over the Iran war. Hegseth defended the conflict, saying the main challenge is the "defeatist words of congressional Democrats and some Republicans." Representative Adam Smith questioned the regional fallout and toll on US troops, asking Hegseth to explain the plan to achieve objectives. Hegseth estimated the conflict's cost at less than $25 billion so far. The Pentagon chief faced criticism over the lack of counter-drone capabilities that led to the deaths of six US troops in Kuwait on March 1. A total of 13 American troops have been killed and 400 wounded in the conflict.
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