Iran war not quagmire, shame on you: Pete Hegseth confronts Democrats in Congress

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth faced heated questioning on Capitol Hill as congressmen pressed him on the direction, cost and justification of the ongoing conflict with Iran. The Pentagon’s $1.45 trillion budget request, which is a roughly 40 per cent increase over this year’s budget, is the subject of the hearing. Democrats grilled him on what the war has accomplished and criticised Donald Trump administration’s shifting rhetoric for attacking Iran.

The Pentagon Chief clashed with Congressman John Garamendi, who called the war "a political and economic disaster at every level". The defence secretary insisted that Americans support the mission to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, "despite your loose talk and words like quagmire."

Hegseth argued that the war didn't become a prolonged failure. He argued that the conflict, now roughly two months old, had already achieved outcomes and should not be compared to campaigns in Iraq or Afghanistan. "You call it a quagmire, handing propaganda to our enemies? Shame on you for that statement," he said, accusing critics of being "reckless, feckless, and defeatist".

The session was held before the House Armed Services Committee. It marked the first time Pete Hegseth has addressed the war in Congress since the administration of Donald Trump launched military operations, which Democrats argue were taken without proper congressional approval.

CLASH OVER NUCLEAR THREAT AND WAR JUSTIFICATION

A tense exchange followed over Iran’s nuclear capabilities, with Congressman challenging the administration’s shifting narrative. "We had to start this war, you just said 60 days ago, because the nuclear weapon was an imminent threat," Adam Smith said. "Now you’re saying that it was completely obliterated?"

Hegseth maintained that despite past strikes, Iran "had not given up their nuclear ambitions" and continued to possess significant missile capabilities. Smith countered that the war had effectively "left us at exactly the same place we were before."

PENTAGON PUTS IRAN WAR COST AT $25 BILLION

The Pentagon provided its first public estimate of the cost of the war so far -- $25 billion -- during testimony. Hegseth deflected when asked how much more he intends to spend on the campaign.

Jules Hurst III, the acting assistant secretary for defence finances, said the bulk of spending has gone towards munitions, operations and equipment replacement.

"We will formulate a supplemental through the White House that will come to Congress once we have a full assessment of the cost of the conflict," Hurst said.

The financial burden is expected to rise further as the Pentagon pushes for a record $1.5 trillion defence budget, which Hegseth argued is necessary to maintain "the world’s most powerful and capable military".

RO KHANNA GRILLS HEGSETH ON WAR COSTS

He faced sharp questioning from Ro Khanna over the economic impact of the war with Iran, particularly rising costs for American households. "Do you know how much it will cost Americans in terms of their increased cost in gas and food over the next year because of the Iran war?" Khanna asked.

Hegseth replied: "I would simply ask you what the cost is of an Iranian nuclear bomb."

Khanna accused the administration of failing to deliver on promises to lower living costs, warning that any disruption to the Strait of Hormuz could drive up prices significantly. "I’m sad for all the people who voted for Trump. I’m sad for them because you betrayed them," he said.

HEGSETH DEFENDS HORMUZ BLOCKADE

Congressmen also questioned whether the Pentagon had fully considered the risks of escalation, particularly the possibility of Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz. Hegseth said officials had looked at all aspects of such a scenario.

"I would say the blockade that we hold that doesn’t allow anything to come in or out of Iranian ports," he said, suggesting the US had countered potential threats.

Representative Seth Moulton challenged that logic, replying: "So we’ve blockaded their blockade — that’s like saying tag, you’re it."

General Dan Caine, seated alongside Hegseth, declined to provide specifics but said the military always presents "a full range of military options that are carefully considered with the associated risks."

Hegseth also took aim at Democrates. "The biggest challenge, the biggest adversary, we face at this point are the reckless, feckless and defeatist words of congressional Democrats and some Republicans," he said.

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