Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced Congress this week for the first time since the launch of Operation Epic Fury in late February. The hearing focused heavily on the military campaign against Iran and Hegseth’s leadership during the conflict.
Hegseth defended the administration’s strategy, arguing that the strikes were necessary to counter Iranian aggression. He emphasized that the operation aimed to degrade Iran’s nuclear capabilities and protect regional allies.
Lawmakers pressed Hegseth on civilian casualties and the long-term cost of the engagement. He acknowledged the loss of life but maintained that the military took every precaution to minimize harm.
Questions also arose about the timeline for withdrawal. Hegseth declined to set a specific date, stating that the mission would continue until military objectives were fully met. He stressed that any premature exit could destabilize the region.
The hearing highlighted internal divisions within Congress over the war’s scope. Some members praised Hegseth’s decisiveness, while others criticized the lack of transparency regarding operational details.
On his tenure, Hegseth faced scrutiny over personnel changes at the Pentagon. He defended his restructuring efforts as necessary for efficiency, though critics argued they undermined institutional expertise.
Hegseth concluded by affirming his commitment to servicemembers. He promised to prioritize their safety and to provide Congress with more frequent updates as the campaign progresses.
