Pete Hegseth denies Iran war is a quagmire and requests $1.5tn military budget

19 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Apr 29

Appearing before the House armed services committee, Hegseth faced criticism as US war costs reached $25bn, mostly for munitions, and requested a historic 7% troop pay increase.
Hegseth argued critics in Congress pose a greater threat than Iran, while lawmakers questioned the administration’s strategy, diplomatic isolation, and accountability for civilian casualties in Minab.
Tensions rose amid public protests and partisan clashes, as Trump threatened a naval blockade and claimed Iran’s nuclear facilities were destroyed, but Democrats challenged the war’s effectiveness and fiscal responsibility.

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