Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced intense questioning from senators during a contentious Senate Appropriations Committee hearing regarding the escalating costs of the Iran war, now estimated at $37.5 billion, and the absence of a clear strategy to conclude the conflict.Senators highlighted the lack of a long-term plan, which has resulted in 18 American troop fatalities and over 400 injuries.Hegseth defended his request for an additional $67 billion to increase the Defense Department’s budget to $1.5 trillion, arguing that failing to approve the supplemental funding posed the greatest threat to national security.

However, critics contended that the Pentagon had not fully utilized the $150 billion allocated last year, with some requested funds unrelated to the Iran conflict.

Hegseth accused Democratic senators of partisan politics and 'Trump Derangement Syndrome' for opposing the funding, while opponents blamed him for the war's initiation and its management under the Biden administration.The debate underscores deepening political tensions over military spending and strategic priorities.