Hegseth Tells Congress Pentagon Reviewing Army Aircraft Cuts in $1.5 Trillion Budget Request

He stated, “I actually think it’s something we’re taking another look at.

On the Strait of Hormuz, Hegseth insisted the U.S. maintains control, stating that nothing enters without American approval. He said more than 65 ships had been turned around or disabled as part of efforts that prevent Iran from moving goods out of its ports.

He pointed to battlefield successes and increased leverage over Iran. Hegseth rejected characterizations of the situation as a strategic loss and pushed back against suggestions that U.S. munitions stockpiles are depleted, saying the department has what it needs to execute current operations and plans to increase production going forward.

He declined to confirm or deny reports that only 30 percent of Iran’s missile capacity had been destroyed, saying a public hearing was not the appropriate venue.

Sen. Lindsey Graham cast doubt on Pakistan’s suitability as a mediator in talks between the U.S. and Iran. He cited reports that Pakistan allowed Iranian aircraft to be parked on its territory to shield them from potential strikes. Pakistani officials have denied the reports as baseless and insisted they remain neutral.

They stated that any aircraft movements occurred during a ceasefire period rather than active hostilities. The April ceasefire brokered with Pakistani help has not yet produced a lasting peace agreement despite additional diplomatic efforts including a visit by Vice President J.D. Vance to Islamabad.

Hegseth responded to questions about the budget size by saying the president had proposed a historic budget to defend the nation and confront threats such as Iran that previous administrations had allowed to develop. The Pentagon has not yet released details of its $350 billion reconciliation package.

Rep. Betty McCollum noted that the hearing was conducted in a more respectful tone than recent sessions before the armed services committees.