Tehran: US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth encountered a vigorous interrogation from senators during a Senate hearing regarding the Trump administration's ongoing war against Iran. Lawmakers scrutinized the rationale behind the continued conflict and questioned Washington's approach towards Tehran, especially in light of the administration's request for billions of dollars in additional funding.
According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Democratic Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of New York challenged Hegseth on the administration's justification for the war and scrutinized his past statements concerning Iran's nuclear program. Gillibrand highlighted inconsistencies between previous claims made by Hegseth and the President about Iran's nuclear capabilities and the subsequent launch of an active war in February 2026.
During the hearing, Hegseth defended the administration's actions, stating that Iranian nuclear facilities targeted in Operation Midnight Hammer in June 2025 were 'completely destroyed,' yet acknowledged that Iran continued its nuclear developments. Gillibrand further accused Hegseth of misleading the public regarding the destruction of Iran's missile-launch capabilities, while Hegseth countered by accusing the senator of using the issue for political gains.
In another exchange, Democratic Senator Gary Peters of Michigan criticized the Trump administration for lacking a 'clear winning strategy,' which he argued could entangle the United States in another prolonged conflict, endangering American troops and imposing significant financial burdens. Peters questioned the administration's achievements since the conflict's inception and criticized Hegseth's request for additional Pentagon funding, attributing it to a 'failure to win this war.'
Hegseth responded by labeling Peters' remarks as reckless and undermining to the sacrifices of US service members, arguing that the administration's efforts were to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Peters retorted by asserting that the failure resided with the leadership, not with the troops, and criticized the absence of a long-term strategic plan to win the war.
Senator Patty Murray of Washington, a top Democrat on the Appropriations Committee, described the war's financial toll as 'catastrophic.' She questioned the administration's claims regarding the destruction of Iran's missile capabilities, pointing out that Iran continues to target US assets. Hegseth acknowledged that while Iran retained some military capabilities, they were at their weakest. He reiterated President Donald Trump's stance against engaging in 'stupid wars' and emphasized a 'realistic, America First' policy aimed at preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
The Senate hearing comes at a time when the White House has sought nearly $70 billion in additional funding for the Iran conflict, with Hegseth revealing that the war has already incurred costs of $37.5 billion.