Hegseth Faces Bipartisan Scrutiny Over Iran War Costs and Strategy

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth endured intense bipartisan questioning regarding the Trump administration's military strategy in Iran, as the financial burden of the ongoing conflict reached $29 billion. The hearing highlighted growing concerns among lawmakers about the sustainability of current operations, particularly focusing on depleted munition stockpiles that threaten long-term defense capabilities. A central point of contention was the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global chokepoint for oil shipments, which has escalated tensions and contributed to rising economic costs. Hegseth faced criticism from both sides of the aisle over the lack of a clear endgame for the intervention and the strategic implications of maintaining such a costly presence. The debate underscores the political friction surrounding the administration's foreign policy decisions, with critics arguing that the current approach lacks sufficient diplomatic off-ramps while straining military resources. This event marks a significant moment of congressional pushback against the executive branch's handling of the Middle East crisis, reflecting broader anxieties about war fatigue and fiscal responsibility amidst escalating regional instability.