Hegseth to Face Off with Congress Over Iran War

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is set to face another round of questioning from lawmakers Tuesday over the war with Iran, including from some Republicans who have raised concerns about the length of the conflict and the lack of congressional approval.

Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine will appear before House and Senate appropriations subcommittees that oversee defense spending. The hearings are formally focused on the Trump administration’s proposed 2027 military budget, which calls for $1.5 trillion in defense spending, but the Iran war is expected to dominate much of the discussion.

The war has increasingly become a political liability for President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans, as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz continues to drive up fuel prices ahead of the midterm elections. Iran has effectively blocked the strait, through which roughly 20% of the world’s oil normally passes, while the US has maintained a blockade on Iranian ports.

American and Iranian forces have repeatedly exchanged fire in and around the Gulf. US forces have intercepted attacks on American warships and disabled Iranian-linked oil tankers, while Iran has continued to pressure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump said Monday that the ceasefire with Iran was on “massive life support” after Tehran submitted what he called an unacceptable proposal. He described the Iranian response as “a piece of garbage” and again stressed that Iran must significantly limit its nuclear program.

Trump also said he wants to suspend the federal gas tax to help Americans cope with rising fuel prices, though he has previously argued that higher energy costs are worth bearing if they prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

Tuesday’s hearings will give lawmakers another opportunity to press Hegseth and Caine on the administration’s strategy, war aims and timeline. Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, a Republican facing a difficult reelection campaign, voted with Democrats last month on a failed effort to halt the conflict. She said at the time that she wanted a clearer strategy for ending the war.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska has voted against war powers resolutions seeking to limit Trump’s authority, but has also said Congress should authorize the conflict so the public understands its objectives and limits.

Hegseth previously told lawmakers that the April 8 ceasefire paused the 60-day clock for congressional authorization under the 1973 War Powers Act. Democrats rejected that interpretation and are expected to press him on it again.

The defense secretary will also face support from hawkish Republicans, including Sen. Mitch McConnell and Sen. Lindsey Graham, who have backed a tougher line against Tehran.

Hegseth and Caine are expected to use the hearings to argue for expanded investments in drones, warships and missile defense systems, all of which have been heavily used during the Iran conflict.