House Armed Services Hearing Highlights Fierce Dispute Over U.S.-Israel War on Iran

On April 29, 2026, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth testified before the House Armed Services Committee. Ranking Democrat Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA) opened, and Rep. John Garamendi (D-CA), Rep. Pat Ryan (D-NY) and others repeatedly interrupted Hegseth, demanding details on the war’s progress, costs, and strategy. Hegseth defended the campaign; lawmakers accused him of misinformation.

Mediaite

The U.S.–Israel operation began two months after President Donald Trump announced a limited strike to stop Iran’s nuclear ambitions. The administration seeks a $1.5 trillion defense budget, calling the conflict an “existential fight for safety.” Pentagon officials estimate war costs at $25 billion. Casualties include 168 deaths (mostly children) in Minab school strike and six U.S. service members killed with over 20 injured in Shuaiba drone attack.

Washington Examiner

Hegseth claimed Iran’s nuclear facilities were “obliterated,” framed the war as yielding “strategic opportunities.” He defended the $1.5 trillion budget as the true cost of deterrence. Committee chair Rep. Mike Rogers (R-AL) noted that U.S. adversaries spend a larger share of GDP on defense, supporting the request. Pentagon CFO Jules Hurst III confirmed the $25 billion cost. President Trump warned Iran to “get smart soon.”

The Guardian

Smith challenged Hegseth’s claim that “Operation Midnight Hammer accomplished nothing of substance,” questioned the assertion that Iran’s nuclear sites were destroyed, and warned the war was alienating allies. Garamendi called the campaign a “quagmire” and accused Hegseth and the president of misleading public. Ryan cited survivor testimony that Shuaiba facility lacked any drone defense, describing it as “none.” Members called the war a “political and economic disaster at every level.”

The Guardian

Hegseth’s claim that Iran’s nuclear facilities were “obliterated” conflicted with Smith’s demand for evidence and with the Pentagon’s lack of a formal assessment. The $25 billion cost estimate contrasts sharply with the $1.5 trillion budget request, and no operational plan was offered for the Minab school strike or the Kuwait drone attack.

The Guardian

The debate underscores congressional concerns over fiscal responsibility, strategic clarity, and diplomatic isolation; the $1.5 trillion budget would reshape defense spending amid an uncertain war trajectory.

The Guardian

• “the biggest adversary we face at this point are the reckless, feckless and defeatist words of congressional Democrats and some Republicans.” — Pete Hegseth, Sec. War

The Independent

• “He lies every day, gets up in the morning and lies, and goes to bed at night lying.” — John Garamendi, Rep.

MEAWW

• “So Operation Midnight Hammer accomplished nothing of substance.” — Adam Smith, Ranking Dem.

The Guardian

• “a historic troop pay increase – 7% for lower enlisted” — Pete Hegseth, Sec. War

The Guardian

The committee will vote on the $1.5 trillion defense appropriations in the coming weeks, with further hearings expected to probe strategy, cost controls, and the status of Iran’s nuclear program.

The Guardian