US lawmakers conducted a rigorous questioning session with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over the recent military escalation involving Iran, marking his first appearance before Congress since the conflict began under President Donald Trump’s administration. The hearing focused on the decision-making process behind launching hostilities, with many Democratic representatives emphasizing that the war was initiated without proper congressional authorization. Concerns were raised about the long-term consequences of the conflict, the potential for regional instability, and the lack of transparency in how military action was approved.
The session offered a rare public examination of defense strategy and accountability, highlighting divisions between the executive branch and legislative oversight. Lawmakers pressed Hegseth on the legal basis for the war, the intelligence used to justify it, and the risks associated with ongoing military engagement. As the nation grapples with the implications of this foreign policy shift, the exchange underscored the importance of checks and balances in matters of national security.