US Officials Warn Iran Weeks from Nuclear Threshold Amid Budget Hearings
Senior US officials warned during a tense Senate hearing that Iran is only weeks away from achieving weapons-grade uranium enrichment capabilities. Pete Hegseth, identified in the text as the US Secretary of War, testified before defense subcommittees regarding the fiscal year 2027 military budget, defending a historic $1.5 trillion allocation. He addressed ongoing tensions, confirming a ceasefire with Iran while noting that negotiations continue. Hegseth also discussed Project Freedom, stating it could be restarted to guide commercial ships in the Persian Gulf. The hearing highlighted bipartisan concerns over war costs, with Pentagon inspector Jules Hurst revealing that Operation Righteous Fury has cost approximately $29 billion, an increase from previous estimates. Additionally, Hegseth rejected claims by lawmakers like Senator Mark Kelly regarding critical ammunition shortages, asserting that reserves are sufficient and production is accelerating. The session underscored deep legislative scrutiny of Pentagon spending and strategic planning amidst continued conflict dynamics with the Iranian government.
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