Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will face a gauntlet of tough questions on the Iran war on Wednesday when Congress confronts him publicly for the first time since the start of the conflict.
Hegseth will testify starting at 10 a.m. before the House Armed Services Committee. The appearance comes as the Iran conflict nears the 60-day mark and Republicans are growing increasingly anxious for a clear exit strategy.
Hegseth’s written remarks — which we obtained — barely mention Iran, instead centering on the Trump administration’s $1.5 trillion FY2027 request for the Pentagon. But his statement issues a warning to U.S. allies, who Hegseth said haven’t done enough to aid American military operations in the region.
“This is unconscionable — and we will remember,” Hegseth wrote.
Meanwhile, Armed Services Committee Chair Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) will tout the Trump administration’s planned defense investments and underscore the threat China’s massive military buildup poses.
“It is critical we do not reduce deterrence as our allies ramp up their own capability,” Rogers will say, according to his opening statement.
Democrats forecast a series of topics they plan to press Hegseth on beyond Iran: DOD’s spending request, the military’s posture abroad and recent turmoil in the Pentagon’s top ranks.
What if there’s something that doesn’t come up today? Hegseth will return to Capitol Hill Thursday at 11 a.m. alongside Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Gen. Dan Caine (read Caine’s written testimony here).
