Pete Hegseth, alongside Chief of Staff of the US Army Dan Caine, faced members of the House Armed Services Committee for hours. Since the US and Israel launched an offensive against Tehran on February 28, lawmakers from both sides have criticized the lack of information provided by the executive branch, contrary to usual practice.
Questions about military strategy
“Where are we going? How will these tactical victories translate into strategic success?” Democratic representative Adam Smith asked during his opening remarks, highlighting the regional escalation in the Middle East, the 13 American military deaths in the conflict, and civilian casualties. When asked about the cost of the war in Iran, the Pentagon estimated it at $25 billion so far, “mostly in ammunition,” a figure reiterated by Pete Hegseth. Regarding future expenses, the minister posed the question, “What price are we willing to pay to ensure that Iran never acquires nuclear weapons?”
“You and the president have constantly changed justifications for this war,” and “the strategy has revealed astonishing incompetence,” another Democratic representative, John Garamendi, accused Pete Hegseth of lying to Americans about the war from day one, as well as the president (Donald Trump), regarding their reasons and evolution. Garamendi attacked, stating, “Trump’s war is a severe self-inflicted injury to America,” calling it a “geopolitical disaster and a strategic catastrophe that has led to a global economic crisis,” with soaring oil prices and fuel prices, including in the US.
“Do we know what we have lost, but what have we gained?” Garamendi further questioned. The minister responded, admonishing Garamendi for calling it a quagmire after just two months. A ceasefire, extended by Donald Trump with no end date, has been in effect for three weeks, but negotiations between Washington and Tehran to permanently end the war have stalled.
Asked whether the possibility of Iran blocking the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of global oil and natural gas normally pass, had been considered, he replied that the Pentagon had “examined all aspects of this risk.” Currently, Tehran is virtually blocking navigation in the strait, while Washington has imposed a blockade on Iranian ports.
Debates on defense budget
Pete Hegseth’s conduct in the war has been a source of irritation for opposition Democratic lawmakers, who have launched six proceedings to remove him from his position, with little hope of success. Many lawmakers, including Republicans, also regret that the US executive branch did not consult Congress more before initiating the conflict, as the Constitution requires their formal approval to “declare” war.
