Pentagon Chief Testifies Before Congress on Iran War Strategy

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth Testifies Before Congress on War with Iran

Pete Hegseth, US Secretary of Defense, testified before a congressional committee alongside General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The hearing focused on the ongoing war with Iran, which began on February 28.

The Pentagon publicly disclosed the cost of the war for the first time, estimating $25 billion so far. Hegseth defended the US President’s policy and the White House’s request for a $1.5 trillion defense budget. He spoke shortly after the two-month mark of the conflict, during which fighting has largely ceased.

Hegseth faced questions about the long-term goals and timeline of the war, as well as the administration’s plans to continue the conflict if no progress is made on ceasefire talks. The US has imposed a naval blockade on the Strait of Hormuz since April 8.

During the hearing, Hegseth responded to criticism from lawmakers, including Representative Adam Smith, who questioned his statements about Iran’s nuclear programme. Hegseth maintained that the war aimed to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.

Representative John Garamendi called the war a “quagmire” and accused Hegseth of handing propaganda to enemies. Hegseth responded by criticizing what he perceived as reckless and defeatist words from congressional Democrats and some Republicans.

Hegseth also defended his own past criticism of the military operation in Iraq, stating that it was a false comparison. The hearing highlighted the ongoing debate about the war’s objectives and the administration’s plans for its continuation.

Key figures present at the hearing included Jules Hurst III, the Pentagon’s acting comptroller, who provided an official estimate of $25 billion for the war. The US media has reported that the administration is considering requesting additional funding for the war effort, although no formal request has been made yet.

Source: Al Jazeera