Hegseth Testifies Before Senate on Iran Conflict

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee on the U.S. military actions against Iran, which began with U.S. and Israeli attacks on February 28. The hearing, following a similar session before the House Armed Services Committee the previous day, addressed the conflict's costs, munitions usage, and compliance with the War Powers Act.

According to statements by officials during the hearings, the Pentagon has spent at least $25 billion on the conflict since its start. Hegseth stated that U.S. munitions stockpiles "remain in good shape," despite reports of depleted long-range missiles and the need to transfer weapons from other regions.

Friday marked 60 days since President Trump notified Congress of the attacks on Iran, activating the War Powers Act's provision requiring congressional approval or withdrawal of forces within that period. " The U.S. has continued a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz during the pause, and President Trump has stated intentions to resume attacks if needed.

Ceasefire talks with Iran remain on hold due to the blockade, according to reports, leading Vice President JD Vance to cancel a planned trip to Islamabad.

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand questioned Hegseth about strikes on civilian sites, including a girls' school in Minab, and a 90 percent reduction in personnel for the division responsible for minimizing civilian targeting. " Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen.

Dan Caine acknowledged Russian assistance to Iran in the conflict but provided few details in the public session. Russia has provided political support, including a meeting between President Vladimir Putin and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi earlier this week.

No publicly released evidence has documented Russian involvement beyond political support.

Hegseth faced questions on allegations of insider trading tied to the Iran conflict, prompted by Senator Elizabeth Warren's comments. Hegseth stated, "No one owns me," denying any involvement. The hearing also addressed promotions of Army Chief of Staff Randy George and Vice Chief of Staff Gen.

" Separately, Hegseth stated he is a "long enthusiast" of Bitcoin and that the U.S. should "secure a strategic advantage" with it to project power.

The testimony supported President Trump's request for a $1.5 trillion defense budget for fiscal year 2027, which Hegseth described as aimed at "reversing years of decay" in the defense industrial base. For the sixth time, the Senate has failed to advance an Iran War Powers Resolution.