Story perspectives

Hegseth Defends Trump Response After Iranian Drone Kills Six

4/30/2026

Summary

Story summary

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testified before the House Armed Services Committee about an Iranian drone attack that killed six U.S. service members in Kuwait, rebuking Rep. John Garamendi for calling it a “quagmire.”
He praised President Donald Trump’s decision to confront Tehran and said U.S. troops were doing incredible work.
Rep. Pat Ryan cited survivors who said the Kuwait site lacked drone defenses and accused Hegseth of downplaying the attack.

History

Historical Context

In April 1988, after an Iranian mine damaged the U.S. frigate USS Samuel B. Roberts, President Ronald Reagan ordered Operation Praying Mantis, the largest U.S. surface fight since World War II, sinking at least three speedboats, one frigate and one fast-attack gunboat. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth now points to that 1988 precedent while urging a firm U.S. response to Iran’s recent drone attack in Kuwait.

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Story summary

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testified before the House Armed Services Committee about an Iranian drone attack that killed six U.S. service members in Kuwait, rebuking Rep. John Garamendi for calling it a “quagmire.”
He praised President Donald Trump’s decision to confront Tehran and said U.S. troops were doing incredible work.
Rep. Pat Ryan cited survivors who said the Kuwait site lacked drone defenses and accused Hegseth of downplaying the attack.

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