Hegseth clashes with lawmakers over Iran war in nearly…
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth sparred with Democratic lawmakers during a nearly six-hour-long hearing, in his first time facing questions under oath since the start of the Iran war. Hegseth appeared before the House Armed Services Committee on Wednesday alongside Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen Dan Caine and the defence department's chief financial officer Jules Hurst. The White House has asked Congress to boost the US defence budget to $1.5tn (£1.1tn), a sweeping rise that would mark the largest expansion in military spending since World War Two.
Democrats on the committee often characterised the US military action in Iran as an expensive "war of choice" waged without the approval of Congress. "I support our efforts to make sure that Iran never has a nuclear weapon." The often-combative hearing also discussed the international economic ramifications of the war such as the rise in global oil prices, and its knock-on impacts for the price of other goods. "We made a mistake and that happens in war… two months after it happened we refused to say anything about it, giving the world the impression that we just don't care," Adam Smith, the leading Democrat on the committee, said.
Analysis: Why This Matters
Watching how US Defence evolves is important: international stories tend to set the tone for the news cycle ahead.
Key Takeaways
- Hegseth appeared before the House Armed Services Committee on Wednesday alongside Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen Dan Caine and the defence department's chief financial officer Jules Hurst.
- Many Republicans on the committee were largely supportive of the Pentagon, with congressman Carlos Gimenez of Florida saying he believes Iran is an existential threat to the US.
- The White House has asked Congress to boost the US defence budget to $1.5tn (£1.1tn), a sweeping rise that would mark the largest expansion in military spending since World War Two.
Diplomatic and on-the-ground responses are likely in the days ahead — we'll track them closely.
Source: BBC World