US-Iran war costs dominate Congress hearing as Hegseth defends 2027 defence budget

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced sharp questions in Congress over the US war with Iran. The operation began on Feb 28 without congressional approval. Pentagon figures put the cost at USD 25 billion so far. Democrats challenged the reasons for the conflict and the strain on US weapons stocks. Republicans largely backed President Donald Trump’s approach.

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The hearing ran for nearly six hours before the House Armed Services Committee. It was billed as a review of the administration’s 2027 military budget request. The plan would lift defence spending to USD 1.5 trillion. Members instead spent much of the time debating the Iran war and its political fallout.

Iran war costs and Trump administration justification

Democrats accused Hegseth and Gen Dan Caine, Joint Chiefs chairman, of avoiding oversight. Lawmakers raised concerns about a school bombing that killed children. Several members also questioned Trump’s dealings with allies. Democrats said the justification for the war shifted during public briefings and committee testimony.

In a tense exchange, Democratic Rep Adam Smith questioned Hegseth’s comments on Iran’s nuclear sites. Hegseth said Iran’s nuclear facilities were "obliterated\" in 2025 US strikes. Smith challenged why the administration then cited an imminent nuclear threat. \"We had to start this war, you just said 60 days ago, because the nuclear weapon was an imminent threat,\" Smith said. \"Now youre saying that it was completely obliterated?\"

Hegseth answered that Iran still pursued nuclear goals and held thousands of missiles. Smith argued the campaign changed little on the ground. Smith said the war \"left us at exactly the same place we were before.\" Democrats also said the administration misled the public about its aims and expected outcomes.

Iran’s closing of the Strait of Hormuz disrupted oil shipping and drove up fuel prices. Democrats said the rise hit millions of American households. Republicans also faced pressure ahead of midterm elections as prices climbed. The US imposed a naval blockade on Iranian shipping. Three American aircraft carriers operated in the Middle East, a first in over 20 years.

Rep John Garamendi accused the administration of dishonesty and warned of wider damage. \"Secretary Hegseth, you have been lying to the American public about this war from day one and so has the president,\" said Garamendi. Garamendi also called it \"a geopolitical calamity, a strategic blunder and a self-inflicted wound to America.\"

Hegseth rejected the charge and questioned Garamendi’s motives. \"Who are you cheering for here?\" he asked. \"Your hatred for President Trump blinds you to the success of the war.\" Hegseth also said critics were turning the issue into party politics. \"The biggest challenge, the biggest adversary we face at this point are the reckless, feckless and defeatist words of congressional Democrats and some Republicans,\" Hegseth said.

Pentagon leadership changes during Iran war debate

Some members pressed Hegseth on the removal of senior officers since Trump returned to office. Rep Chrissy Houlahan questioned the firing of Gen Randy George, the Army’s top uniformed officer. Houlahan said George was respected across the military and Congress. Hegseth said the department wanted different leadership. \"We needed new leadership,\" Hegseth said.

The Pentagon also said Navy Secretary John Phelan was stepping down this month. Hegseth earlier removed Adm Lisa Franchetti, the Navy’s top uniformed officer. Gen Jim Slife, the Air Force’s No. 2 leader, was also removed. Trump fired Gen Charles CQ Brown Jr as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Republican Rep Don Bacon said Hegseth could make personnel changes, but raised concerns. \"We had a huge bipartisan majority here that had confidence in the Army chief of staff and the secretary of the navy,\" Bacon said. \"And I would just point out it may be constitutionally right... but it doesnt make it right or wise.\"

Other Republicans defended the shake-up as needed reform. Hegseth said the moves aimed to build a \"warrior culture\" at the Pentagon. Rep Nancy Mace supported the firings as a way to change routines. \"Im glad that youre firing people,\" Mace said. \"There are people there that are getting in your way. They need to go.\"

Hegseth also outlined pay rises for service members and plans to upgrade munitions. The Iran war still dominated most questioning during the budget session. Hegseth told lawmakers that, as of Tuesday, the Pentagon released USD 400 million in military aid for Ukraine. The aid had been appropriated earlier for Ukraine’s war against Russia.

A ceasefire remained in place, but lawmakers disputed what came next. Democrats noted that war powers measures failed in both chambers. Those proposals sought to force Trump to pause operations without authorisation. Republicans focused more on budget details and support for the Iran operation. The committee hearing ended with divisions still unresolved.

With inputs from PTI