Pete Hegseth Spars with US Lawmakers Over Iran War Spending, Minab School Strike
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth appeared before the House Armed Services Committee on Wednesday, facing a nearly six-hour interrogation regarding the ongoing conflict in Iran. This marked his initial testimony under oath since the US and Israel launched wide-ranging strikes against Iran on 28 February, killing the country's Supreme Leader and hundreds of civilians.
Hegseth, accompanied by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen Dan Caine and defence department chief financial officer Jules Hurst, opened his remarks by characterising the primary adversary as the “defeatist words” of both Democratic and some Republican lawmakers.
Democratic representatives scrutinised the allocation of federal funds for the conflict. Hurst confirmed the war has already incurred costs of USD#25 billion for the US, largely attributed to munitions and equipment replacement. A comprehensive cost assessment is pending, despite a ceasefire agreement for peace talks.
The White House's request to Congress for a USD#1.5 trillion defence budget, marking the largest military spending expansion since World War Two, was a central point of contention. Hegseth asserted the request “reflects the urgency of the moment,” while Gen Caine framed it as a “historic down payment for future security,” necessary for advancing military technology.
Democrats repeatedly labelled the US military involvement in Iran an expensive “war of choice” initiated without Congressional approval. California Democrat John Garamendi accused Hegseth and the President of “lying to the American public about this war from day one,” suggesting the administration was “stuck in a quagmire” in the Middle East. Hegseth dismissed these claims as “reckless,” retorting, “Your hatred for President Trump blinds you.”
Conversely, many Republican committee members expressed support for the Pentagon's actions. Congressman Carlos Gimenez of Florida stated his belief that Iran poses an existential threat to the US, endorsing efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
The hearing also addressed the international economic repercussions, including rising global oil prices and their broader inflationary impact. Hegseth's testimony grew combative at times, notably telling one congressman, “shame on you.”
Lawmakers also pressed for accountability regarding an airstrike on a primary school in Minab, Iran, during the initial US and Israeli offensive. Iranian officials reported the strike killed 168 people, including 110 children. US media indicated in early March that US military investigators believed American forces were likely responsible, though no definitive conclusion had been reached.
Adam Smith, the leading Democrat on the committee, criticised the lack of official acknowledgement, stating, “We made a mistake and that happens in war... two months after it happened we refused to say anything about it, giving the world the impression that we just don't care.” Representative Ro Khanna questioned Hegseth on the cost implications of the school strike. The Defence Secretary stated the “unfortunate situation remains under investigation” and that he “wouldn't tie a cost to that.” Hegseth is scheduled for another hearing before the US Senate on Thursday.
