“US defence secretary quizzed on Iran war and says budget request shows ‘urgency of moment’”

Appearing before Congress in a hearing focused on the Pentagon’s budget plans, Hegseth was pressed by sceptical lawmakers over the scale of US involvement, the financial burden of the war and whether the administration had sufficiently justified its actions. The hearing marked his first appearance before Congress since the conflict began, making it a focal point for criticism from opponents who argued the war had expanded without clear congressional backing.

In response, Hegseth defended the Pentagon’s funding request, saying it reflected the “urgency of the moment” rather than a broader shift in long-term military priorities. He suggested the administration was responding to immediate operational demands and the need to maintain readiness, replenish munitions and support ongoing deployments linked to the war effort.

The exchange highlighted growing concern in Washington over the financial and strategic implications of the conflict. Pentagon figures presented during the hearing showed the war had already cost tens of billions of dollars, while military officials have also pointed to pressure on stockpiles of key weapons systems, including missile interceptors, drones and other precision munitions.

Lawmakers questioning Hegseth raised concerns not only about costs but also about the administration’s legal and political rationale for continuing operations. Critics argued that Congress had not been adequately consulted and warned that the conflict risked deepening US military involvement in the region without a clearly defined endpoint.

Hegseth, however, maintained that the Pentagon’s requests were driven by battlefield realities and the need to ensure American forces remain properly equipped. His remarks suggested the administration is preparing to ask Congress for substantial additional defence resources as the conflict places new strain on military budgets and supply chains.

The hearing underscored how the Iran war is reshaping the wider US defence debate. What began as a discussion over annual spending priorities quickly turned into a broader confrontation over war powers, fiscal oversight and the long-term consequences of another major military engagement in the Middle East.

With lawmakers from both parties expected to examine future funding requests closely, Hegseth’s testimony may set the tone for a larger battle in Congress over how much political and financial support the administration can secure for the conflict in the months ahead.