War secretary suggests senator visit Central Command after Iran war criticism

War Secretary Pete Hegseth offered Sen. Gary Peters a visit to U.S. Central Command to speak with troops during a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing. The offer came after the outgoing senator described the Trump administration's war with Iran as an utter and complete failure.

The hearing addressed the Department of War's $67 billion supplemental budget request, much of which would fund military operations in Iran. Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, also appeared before the committee. Peters listed concerns about the war's effects on the U.S. economy and American troops.

He asked how the current strategy differs from past efforts and noted that destroying Iran's nuclear capabilities remains incomplete.

hearing Hegseth said use of the word failure undermines troop sacrifices. He offered Peters a ticket to Central Command to meet service members working to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Peters clarified that he was criticizing administration leadership, not the troops.

He said the absence of a winning strategy places service members in harm's way and called for clearer leadership. Hegseth responded that Peters should speak with fellow Democrats about approving funds rather than questioning the request. He said the senator's stance reflects an unwillingness to support the department.

Peters said he was not questioning the fiscal request itself but seeking details on the war strategy.