Hegseth, Caine Face Iran War Questions in Budget Hearings

WASHINGTON -- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Gen. Dan Caine, chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, are set to face questions from lawmakers Tuesday over the ongoing war with Iran, including concerns from some Republicans about its duration and lack of congressional approval. The hearings before House and Senate defense spending subcommittees, held back-to-back, primarily review the Trump administration's proposed 1.5 trillion dollar military budget for 2027.

Lawmakers expect discussions to extend beyond the budget into the conflict, which began when the United States and Israel launched operations on February 28 and entered a fragile ceasefire on April 8. The war has reached a stalemate, marked by Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20 percent of the world's oil typically flows, and the U.S. imposing a blockade on Iranian ports. Both sides have exchanged fire, with American forces repelling attacks on warships and disabling oil tankers linked to Tehran.

The conflict has driven up fuel prices, creating economic strain and political challenges for Republicans ahead of midterm elections. President Donald Trump faces mounting pressure over these costs. On Monday, he...