Hegseth defends Iran war, defense budget ask in House hearing

WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth defended the war in Iran and the president’s nearly $1.5 trillion defense budget request during a nearly six-hour hearing Wednesday before the House Armed Services Committee.

A major reveal during testimony was that The Pentagon estimates $25 billion has already been spent on Operation Epic Fury so far, the first time that number has been publicly shared. Hegseth declined to say how much the cost could rise.

The hearing was intended to review the Pentagon’s fiscal year 2027 budget request. It was also the first time lawmakers could publicly question Hegseth on the war in Iran, now approaching two months.

Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., questioned the justification for the war.

“We had to start this war, you just said, 60 days ago because the nuclear weapon was an imminent threat. Now you’re saying that it was completely obliterated?” Smith said.

“They had not given up their nuclear ambitions,” Hegseth explained.

Lawmakers questioned the need for Operation Epic Fury and the total cost of the war for the federal government and everyday Americans. Hegseth did not provide a final price tag or say how long the war will last. However, he said the cost is worth the mission.

“The question I would ask this committee is what is it worth to ensure that Iran never gets a nuclear weapon?” Hegseth said.

Exchanges grew heated at times, with Hegseth dismissing criticism of the war and insinuating any pushback was a blow to America.

“The courage of a president to confront a nuclear Iran, and you call it a quagmire, handing propaganda to our enemies. Shame on you for that statement,” Hegseth said to a member.

With lawmakers on both sides of the aisle critical of a nearly 40 percent increase in Pentagon funding, Hegseth has suggested reconciliation as a way to fund the budget, bypassing a bipartisan vote and showcasing the importance of national defense to the Trump Administration.