Hegseth Defends Iran War Costs in Heated Congressional Hearings

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine testified before the House and Senate Armed Services Committees on April 29 and 30, 2026, to defend a record $1.5 trillion military budget request for 2027. The hearings were dominated by the ongoing conflict with Iran, known as Operation Epic Fury, which began on February 28 with joint U.S.-Israeli strikes that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Hegseth characterized the campaign as a historic success that obliterated nuclear facilities and degraded Iranian infrastructure.

Pentagon acting comptroller Jules Hurst III provided the first official cost estimate for the war at $25 billion, primarily for munitions. However, this figure faced intense scrutiny. Democratic lawmakers and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi claimed the estimate was a lowball figure, with Araghchi asserting the true cost is $100 billion. Critics noted the $25 billion figure excludes the repair of damaged U.S. bases across the Gulf and the broader economic impact of the Strait of Hormuz blockade, which has spiked global fuel and food prices.

The testimony grew volatile as Hegseth clashed with lawmakers over the legality of the unauthorized war and a deadly U.S. strike on a school in Minab that killed over 160 people. Hegseth dismissed critics as reckless, feckless, and defeatist, while defending the removal of nearly 30 senior military officers to build a warrior culture. The administration also faced questions regarding the 1973 War Powers Act as the 60-day deadline for congressional authorization expired on May 1, though officials argued a fragile ceasefire paused the clock.