Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth Faces Intense Congressional Scrutiny Over $25 Billion US-Israel War on Iran

United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth underwent his first public congressional hearing regarding the ongoing US-Israel military campaign against Iran, which began on February 28. The hearing, held alongside Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine, revealed the Pentagon’s official war expenditure of $25 billion and sparked heated exchanges over the war’s objectives, timeline, and ethical considerations.

This public scrutiny comes as the conflict surpasses two months, with fighting largely paused since early April and a US naval blockade imposed on the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The hearing highlighted deep divisions in Congress over the war’s justification, costs, and future, raising critical questions about US policy and military engagement in the Middle East.

Pentagon Reveals $25 Billion War Cost Amidst Congressional Pushback

For the first time, the Pentagon publicly disclosed the financial toll of the US-Israel war on Iran, with acting comptroller Jules Hurst III confirming a $25 billion price tag. The majority of this sum covers munitions, deployment of military assets to the Middle East, and equipment losses. However, Hegseth declined to clarify if this figure includes damage to US bases or replenishment of weapons stockpiles, fueling speculation about potential additional funding requests.

"What is it worth to ensure that Iran never gets a nuclear weapon?"—Pete Hegseth

Lawmakers Challenge Hegseth on Iran’s Nuclear Program and War Aims

Hegseth faced intense questioning over conflicting statements about Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Representative Adam Smith highlighted the contradiction between claims that Iran’s nuclear program was obliterated in the 2025 conflict and assertions that it posed an imminent threat just before the current war. Hegseth maintained that while facilities were bombed, Iran’s ambitions persist, now shielded by conventional military defenses.

Pentagon Chief Pushes Back Against 'Quagmire' Label and Criticism

When Representative John Garamendi described the war as a 'quagmire' and a political and economic disaster, Hegseth accused him of aiding enemy propaganda. He criticized defeatist rhetoric from some congressional members, emphasizing the need for strong resolve. The exchange underscored the polarized views within Congress regarding the war’s management and future.

"The biggest challenge we face are the reckless, feckless and defeatist words of congressional Democrats and some Republicans."—Pete Hegseth

Controversies Over Military Conduct and Civilian Casualties

Hegseth was pressed on his past statement about showing 'no quarter, no mercy' to enemies, a phrase historically linked to war crimes. He defended the military’s rules of engagement as necessary for effectiveness. Additionally, he addressed the deadly US strike on a school in Minab that killed at least 120 children, stating the incident remains under investigation but refusing to assign a financial cost to the tragedy.

Representative Ro Khanna questioned the cost of the strike in terms of taxpayer money, highlighting the human toll of the conflict. The hearing also touched on President Trump’s aggressive rhetoric, with Hegseth praising Trump as the sharpest commander-in-chief in generations despite concerns about his mental fitness.

Military Leadership and Congressional Support Outlook

Chairman Dan Caine defended the war’s progress, stating Iran is weaker than in decades and referencing 14 US military deaths, a figure that raised questions about casualty reporting. While Democrats grilled Hegseth with tough questions, Republicans generally expressed support, complicating the legal status of the war as the 60-day notification period under the War Powers Act approaches without formal congressional authorization.

Representative Nancy Mace, initially skeptical about the war’s cost, praised Hegseth’s testimony, signaling potential bipartisan backing. However, the absence of a congressional vote to authorize the war leaves its future uncertain, with the possibility of continued military engagement without clear legal mandate.