Explore the latest developments concerning Live: Hegseth says.
Live: Hegseth says Iran war is 'not a quagmire' as cost of conflict revealed
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth defended the war against Iran in his first testimony to Congress since February, instead attacking Democrats as "feckless".
Mr Hegseth's comments come as estimates emerge that the war has cost America almost $US25 billion ($35 billion) so far, with the Pentagon requesting a new budget of $US1.45 trillion, up 40 per cent from last year.
Think (almost) everything is getting more expensive because of the war?
The impact of the Iran war is sending shocks through the economy, with Treasurer Jim Chalmers saying Australians are already paying a "hefty price" for the conflict.
To help us make sense of it, Business reporter David Taylor will join us on the blog later today for a Q&A.
Hegseth denies Iran war is ‘quagmire’ as cost to US hits estimated $25bn
As defense secretary testifies before House, Trump posts AI-generated image of himself with weapon and caption: âNO MORE MR. NICE GUYâ
Sign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inbox
Pete Hegseth denied that the US-Israel war on Iran, which the Pentagon estimates has cost the US at least $25bn, is âa quagmireâ and claimed critics of the operation posed a greater threat to the US than Iran itself.
Hegseth came under pressure to set out Washingtonâs strategy for the conflict as he appeared before the House armed services committee on Wednesday for a marathon hearing alongside Gen Dan Caine, chair of the joint chiefs of staff. The US defense secretary asked lawmakers to approve $1.5tn military spending â and then described some of those lawmakers as âthe biggest challengeâ to the war effort.
KEEPANG PLA Filament 1.75mm 3D Printer Filament 5/10Rolls 3D Printing Plastic Material 100% No Bubble for FDM 3D Printer MIX
Hegseth clashes with lawmakers over Iran war in nearly six-hour-long hearing
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth sparred with Democratic lawmakers during a nearly six-hour-long hearing, in his first time facing questions under oath since the start of the Iran war.
Hegseth appeared before the House Armed Services Committee on Wednesday alongside Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen Dan Caine and the defence department's chief financial officer Jules Hurst.
In his opening remarks, Hegseth said the "biggest adversary we face" is the "defeatist words" of Democrats and some Republicans.
Democratic lawmakers on the committee criticised how federal money is being used in the conflict. Hurst revealed in the hearing that the war had cost the US $25bn (£18.5bn) so far.
For more detailed information, explore updates concerning Live: Hegseth says.