Congressional Hearing Targets Defense Secretary Amid Iran War Scrutiny

On Wednesday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth appeared before House Armed Services Committee, the first congressional questioning of a defense official since the United States and Israel launched the Iran war on Feb. 28, 2026. The hearing, convened to review the 2027 defense budget proposal, also includes Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine.

Hegseth will be grilled by Congress for the first time since the Iran war beganUsNews and World Report

The conflict began without a congressional war-powers resolution, which Democrats label a “costly conflict of choice.” A ceasefire is in place, but Iran’s closure of Strait of Hormuz has raised fuel prices. U.S. responded with a naval blockade and deployed three aircraft carriers to the Middle East—the first such concentration in over two decades—leaving a stalemate.

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Key figures include Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine, Iran’s leadership and Israel’s military. Pentagon moves removed Navy Secretary John Phelan, Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George, and senior generals and admirals. Senate Armed Services Committee includes Sen. Thom Tillis; the House panel includes Rep. Austin Scott.

Hegseth will be grilled by Congress for the first time since the Iran war began

The 2027 defense budget proposes a $1.5 trillion in spending, prioritizing drones, missile-defense systems and warships. The proposal arrives amid reports of a “huge drawdown of U.S. munitions” and a school bombing that killed children, though cost or casualty figures remain undisclosed.

Hegseth will be grilled by Congress for the first time since the Iran war began

In briefings, Hegseth and Caine stressed the need for unmanned-air systems and missile defenses; Hegseth, speaking to conservative journalists, has cited biblical passages when addressing mainstream media, and both avoided congressional questioning about the war until now.

Hegseth will be grilled by Congress for the first time since the Iran war began

Democrats plan to press administration on war costs and impacts. Republicans, while backing Trump’s strategy, have expressed concern over senior-officer dismissals. Sen. Tillis questioned the rationale for removing leaders during war; Rep. Scott called Gen. George’s firing an extreme disservice to the Army.

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The sources do not provide war-expenditure totals, nor detail ceasefire terms or outcomes of Iran’s blockade. No statements from President Trump or Iranian officials appear in the reporting.

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> “Tell us why. You know these are important positions. We are in a war posture with Iran,” — Sen. Thom Tillis

Hegseth will be grilled by Congress for the first time since the Iran war began

> “He may be able to clean it up, but on its face, you don’t go through the number of highly reputable, senior-level officials, admirals and generals,” — Sen. Thom Tillis

Hegseth will be grilled by Congress for the first time since the Iran war began

> “I think the firing of Gen. George was an extreme disservice to the United States Army,” — Rep. Austin Scott

Hegseth will be grilled by Congress for the first time since the Iran war began

> “And I think it was reckless conduct.” — Rep. Austin Scott

Hegseth will be grilled by Congress for the first time since the Iran war began

Hegseth and Caine will appear before Senate Armed Services Committee on Thursday. Lawmakers are expected to question the budget, leadership changes, and overall strategy in Iran, setting the stage for future war-powers authorizations.

Hegseth will be grilled by Congress for the first time since the Iran war began