US Defense Secretary Testifies on Iran War Before Senate

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Dan Cain testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee on April 30, marking their second congressional hearing. It was the first public questioning of the top defense officials since the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran on February 28.

During the hearing, Hegseth repeatedly criticized war opponents, including lawmakers, accusing them of "irresponsibly aiding America's enemies." He defended the military campaign, even as Pentagon officials revealed the previous day that estimated war costs had reached at least $25 billion.

Ammunition Stockpiles Still 'In Good Shape'

Rebuffing a key criticism of the war, Hegseth insisted U.S. ammunition stockpiles remain "in good shape." However, recent reports suggest otherwise. Some lawmakers argue that depleted munitions could leave the U.S. vulnerable on other fronts.

The New York Times reported last week that the U.S. has used a large number of long-range missiles and Patriot interceptors in the war, forcing the military to shift weapons from other regions. Pentagon officials said the same day that the U.S. has spent $25 billion since the war began, but it was unclear whether that figure includes damage to U.S. assets in the Middle East.

Russia Has Supported Iran in the War

General Dan Cain acknowledged that Russia has supported Iran in the current conflict but provided no details. "There is certainly some activity there," he said, adding that he could not disclose further information in a public hearing.

Russia and Iran have long exchanged weapons, and Moscow has voiced political support for Tehran throughout the conflict. Earlier this week, Russian President Vladimir Putin again voiced support for Iran during a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi in St. Petersburg.

War Powers Act: 60-Day Pause?

May 1 marks 60 days since President Trump formally notified Congress of U.S. strikes on Iran. Under the 1973 War Powers Act, the president must halt the campaign or receive congressional approval to continue.

But Hegseth offered a novel interpretation: "The 60-day clock would pause or stop" during lulls in fighting. The U.S. and Iran largely halted attacks on April 8 ahead of ceasefire talks, but those negotiations later stalled. The U.S. continues its naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, and Trump has repeatedly threatened to resume strikes.

The language of the War Powers Act does not explicitly state that the 60-day deadline can shift due to a pause in hostilities. Democratic Senator Tim Kaine expressed skepticism: "I don't believe the statute supports that."

Reduced Civilian Oversight

Before launching the war with Iran, the Pentagon cut staffing at several offices that monitor civilian harm in conflicts, including the Civilian Protection Center of Excellence. The center was established to assess and learn from high civilian casualties during America's "global war on terror."

Questions about civilian casualties intensified after a U.S. airstrike on a girls' school in Minab, Iran. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand pressed Hegseth: "What is your response to attacks that destroy schools, hospitals, civilian sites? Why did you cut 90% of the unit that helps you avoid targeting civilians?"

Republican Senator Mike Rounds also asked whether the Pentagon still has adequate resources to protect civilians. Hegseth insisted the Department has "all the necessary resources" to do so.

Tough Questions from Democrats

One of the toughest questions came from Senator Jack Reed, the ranking Democrat on the committee. Reed questioned the advice Hegseth gave the president: "I worry that you have told the president what he wants to hear, rather than what he needs to hear."

In another remark, Reed said he believes Hegseth is "doing lasting damage to the military." For his part, Hegseth continued to criticize lawmakers, particularly Democrats: "As I said yesterday, and I will say again today, the greatest enemy we face right now is the reckless criticism and defeatist rhetoric of Democratic senators and some Republicans."