Published: Apr 30, 2026, 24:53 IST | Updated: Apr 30, 2026, 24:53 IST
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth strongly defended the Trump administration’s handling of the Iran war during a tense congressional hearing focused on the Pentagon’s budget and military strategy. Lawmakers questioned the growing financial burden of the conflict after Pentagon officials revealed the war has already cost around $25 billion, most of it spent on munitions and operations. Democrats on the panel criticised the administration’s long-term strategy and rising economic impact, while Hegseth argued the campaign was necessary to stop Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.