US Defense Secretary Hegseth Faces First Iran War Hearing: Key Takeaways

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced his first public congressional hearing on the US-Israel war with Iran. Alongside Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine, Hegseth endured hours of heated questioning, sidestepping queries on long-term goals and timelines for the conflict that began on February 28 when the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran.

For the first time, the Pentagon disclosed the war's cost at $25 billion, with Hegseth delivering an often combative defense of President Donald Trump's policies. He also defended the White House's historic request for a $1.5 trillion defense budget.

His testimony came as the war with Iran passed the two-month mark. Most fighting has been paused since April 8, with the US imposing a naval blockade at the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump has repeatedly vowed to resume attacks if no progress is made in stalled ceasefire negotiations, writing on social media early Wednesday that there would be "NO MORE MR NICE GUY".

Here are key moments from Hegseth's hearing.

$25 Billion Price Tag

Speaking alongside Hegseth, Acting Pentagon Comptroller Jules Hurst III publicly attached the official $25 billion price tag for the war for the first time. Hurst noted that "the majority" of that cost covers munitions, as well as costs for troop surges to the Middle East and equipment lost in combat.

During subsequent questioning, Hegseth did not clarify whether the figure included damage to US military bases in the region or replenishing US weapons stockpiles. US media has reported that the administration is considering requesting an additional $200 billion from Congress for the war effort, although no formal request has been made.

In an exchange with Representative Salud Carbajal (Democrat), Hegseth grew defiant over the cost to US taxpayers. "How much is it worth to ensure Iran never gets a nuclear weapon?" he said.

Questions on Iran's Nuclear Program

Hegseth faced some of his toughest grilling over Iran's nuclear program, with lawmakers pressing the Pentagon chief on the war's goals.

Representative Adam Smith (Democrat) pointed to what he called contradictory statements by Hegseth that Iran's nuclear program had been "obliterated" after a 12-day war with Iran in 2025, and that it was an imminent threat before the latest conflict.

"We had to start this war, you just said, 60 days ago, because the nuclear weapons were an imminent threat. Now you say it's completely obliterated," Smith said. "Iran's nuclear program is exactly as it was before this war started."

"Their facilities have been bombed and obliterated," Hegseth replied. "Their ambition continues, and they're building a conventional shield."

Don't Call It a 'Quagmire'

In one of the most heated exchanges, Hegseth bristled when Representative John Garamendi (Democrat) called the war a "quagmire" and a "political and economic disaster at every level."

The Pentagon chief accused the lawmaker of "giving our enemies propaganda."

"The greatest challenge, the greatest enemy we face right now is the reckless, cowardly, defeatist talk of Democrat and some Republican members of Congress," Hegseth charged.

Later in the hearing, Representative Seth Moulton seized on Hegseth's words, asking: "Do you think Congress was smart or cowardly in not asking the Bush administration hard questions and giving them a blank check for Iraq?"

Hegseth, who served as an Army National Guard officer in Iraq, then criticized that military campaign and Washington's involvement in "endless wars" and "nation-building."

"That is a false comparison," Hegseth replied.

Moulton shot back that "maybe it's a good idea" for Congress to ask hard questions.

Hegseth also asserted that the Trump administration had "looked at all aspects" of the possibility that Iran could close the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran's control of the key fossil fuel shipping route has proven a major leverage point in the war.

'No Quarter' for the Enemy?

Moulton also asked Hegseth about his previous statement that US forces would give "no quarter, no mercy for our enemies."

The phrase historically refers to killing enemy fighters even after they have surrendered, a war crime under international and humanitarian law. When asked if he stood by that statement, Hegseth replied: "The Department of War fights to win, and we ensure that our fighters have the rules of engagement necessary to be as effective as possible."

In another instance, Representative Ro Khanna asked Hegseth about a deadly US airstrike on a school in Minab that killed at least 120 children.

"How much did it cost US taxpayers, about the attack on an Iranian school where children were killed, about the number of missiles we used?" Khanna asked.

"That unfortunate situation is still being investigated," Hegseth answered. "But I will not attach a cost to it."

At another point, Hegseth was asked about Trump's threat to "obliterate an entire civilization." Did that show he was fit to be president, Representative Sara Jacobs asked. Hegseth called Trump "the most sharp and insightful commander-in-chief we've had in generations."

Caine Appears to Give Higher US Casualty Figure

The Joint Chiefs chairman also offered a staunch defense of the war in his opening remarks, saying Iran remained "weaker and less capable than it has been in decades."

In his statement, Caine mentioned 14 US service members who had been killed in the war. So far, the Pentagon had only confirmed 14 casualties. It was immediately unclear what accounted for the discrepancy.

Republicans Show Support

While Democrats on the committee peppered Hegseth with focused questions, Republicans largely backed Hegseth and the war. This is significant, as Friday marks 60 days since Trump formally notified Congress of the US-Israel attacks on Iran. Under the 1973 War Powers Act, Trump is theoretically required to begin withdrawing troops after 60 days or receive congressional authorization to continue fighting.

Republicans control both the House and Senate, and most have indicated they will avoid a vote to formally authorize the war. That would leave the conflict on shaky legal ground.

One Republican, Representative Nancy Mace, who had been skeptical of the war and its high cost, instead praised Hegseth on Wednesday. She said the Pentagon chief had "exceeded all of my expectations."