Hegseth's evasive testimony on Iran war strategy erodes bipartisan Senate support

Lawmakers Press Pentagon Chief on War Strategy

During a rare opportunity to question top Pentagon leaders on Tuesday, senators from both parties pleaded with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to outline a clear strategy for the U.S. war on Iran—or at least to defend his previous statements about it. Hegseth responded at times combatively or evasively, according to lawmakers present.

The hearing underscored growing frustration over the costly conflict and the Trump administration’s multiple, shifting rationales for the war—factors that appear to be diminishing congressional appetite for the White House’s unprecedented $1.5 trillion defense-spending request.

Public and Political Support Declines

Lawmakers are not alone in their frustration with Operation Epic Fury. Recent polling reveals a sharp decline in public support:

• 68 percent of the public said the war was “not worth fighting,” according to an Ipsos poll released last week.
• A Politico survey published Wednesday found that only one-third of self-identified MAGA voters approve of the war—a 13-point drop in two months.

Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) argued that the declining support does not reflect disagreement over the threat of an Iranian nuclear weapon, but rather disapproval of how the White House has handled the conflict.

“This radical Iranian regime should never possess a nuclear weapon. I think we agree on all of these core basic points,” Coons said. “I think your first strategic mistake was to not consult the American people and Congress and make a clear case for the reasons behind this war. There have been many, lots offered.”

Ossoff Confronts Hegseth with His Own Words

Perhaps the most telling exchange came near the end of the hearing, when Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) read Hegseth’s previous public statements back to him verbatim and asked him to recommit to them.

Ossoff: “You said, quote, ‘Operation Epic Fury was a historic and overwhelming victory.’ You said Iran's military had been rendered, quote, ‘combat-ineffective for years to come,’ and you stated we had, quote, ‘achieved every single objective.’ Were those accurate statements?”

Hegseth answered that U.S. strikes had decimated Iran’s Air Force, Navy, and industrial base, but acknowledged that the country was still developing and launching drones and missiles.

“So we never expected they would stop having capabilities to shoot. The question is at scale against opponents like the United States of America.”

Ossoff repeated the question, seeking a declarative yes or no that did not come. He continued:

“On March 8, day nine of the war, on 60 Minutes, you assured the American people of Iranian surrender. Does that remain your prediction?”

Hegseth replied: “Iran will never have a nuclear weapon to threaten the United States of America. That has been the objective, and it remains so.”

Gillibrand: “The Words You Have Used Don’t Add Up”

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) pressed Hegseth on consistency and credibility.

“The reason why [voters] are so upset with you and this administration is because the words you have used in the past don't add up,” she said. “About Iran, specifically, you said that we had obliterated, quote unquote, Iran's ability to create nuclear weapons. The president made the same claim. Yet eight months later, in 2026, the president launched an act of war, claiming Iran was within two weeks of having a weapon. So when you say two very different things, the American people don't know who to believe or what to believe.”

She reframed the issue in terms of economic uncertainty among voters:

“They just know they can't afford their health care; they can't afford their food; they can't afford housing, and our farmers are continuing to suffer. So, which is true? Was it obliterated or wasn't it?”

Even Trump Allies Lose Patience

Even some staunch supporters of President Trump expressed frustration with Hegseth’s inability to articulate a clear goal for ending the war and the consequences of withdrawing before a favorable outcome.

Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a Trump ally, asked Hegseth whether Iran would be able to restart its nuclear program if the United States concludes operations too soon.

Without providing a clear yes or no, Hegseth answered that Iran had not given up its nuclear ambitions even though its nuclear sites had been obliterated.

Kennedy interrupted with a shout: “We need straight answers!”

Broader Implications

The lack of straight answers is hurting not only the White House but also senators' ability to meet the administration’s requests for continued funding and support. As public and political patience erodes, the path forward for Operation Epic Fury remains uncertain.