US War Architect Hegseth Faces Grilling Over Iran Aggression, Soaring Costs, and Civilian Casualties

In a contentious second day of public questioning, United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Cain appeared before the Senate Armed Forces Committee. The hearing intensified scrutiny on the architects of the US-Israel aggression against Iran, which commenced on February 28, marking the first time these officials have faced lawmakers since the devastating attacks began.

Defiance Amidst Mounting Criticism

Hegseth, known for his bellicose rhetoric, defiantly dismissed critics of the war, including members of Congress, accusing them of “fecklessly” aiding what he termed “US enemies.” This aggressive stance comes as the Pentagon revealed the conflict has already cost American taxpayers at least $25 billion, with little clarity on future steps despite a tentative pause in fighting and stalled diplomatic efforts with Iran.

Questionable Stockpiles and War Costs

Despite reports suggesting otherwise, Hegseth insisted that US munitions stockpiles remain “in good shape,” attempting to bat away a key criticism of the protracted conflict. Lawmakers have expressed grave concerns that depleted munitions could leave the US vulnerable in other regions, a fear exacerbated by reports of the military surging expensive long-range stealth and Patriot interceptor missiles from other theaters to sustain the war against Iran.

Pentagon officials confirmed the staggering $25 billion expenditure since the war’s inception, yet remained evasive on whether this figure accounts for damage to US assets in the Middle East, further obscuring the true financial burden of this aggression.

Russia’s Role and US Hypocrisy

Chairman Cain offered a vague admission that Russia has assisted Iran in the current conflict, stating, “There’s definitely some action there,” while refusing to elaborate in a public setting. This comes amidst a backdrop of long-standing weapons trade and political support between Moscow and Tehran, a relationship that has naturally strengthened in the face of US and Israeli aggression.

Disregard for Law: War Powers Act Under Scrutiny

A particularly alarming moment came as Hegseth offered a novel, and legally dubious, interpretation of the 1973 War Powers Act. With Friday marking 60 days since Congress was notified of the US attacks on Iran – a deadline requiring presidential action or congressional approval – Hegseth claimed the “60-day clock pauses, or stops” during a ceasefire. This assertion, made despite the Act’s explicit language, was met with skepticism from Senator Tim Kaine, a Democrat, who stated, “I don’t believe the statute would support that.” Critics argue this is a blatant attempt to circumvent constitutional checks and balances to prolong an unauthorized war.

Systematic Rollbacks and Civilian Casualties

The hearings also brought to light deeply disturbing reports of the Pentagon systematically rolling back offices responsible for overseeing civilian harm in conflict, even before launching the war with Iran. This included significant staffing cuts at the Civilian Protection Center of Excellence. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand directly challenged Hegseth, asking, “What is your response to targeting that has resulted in the destruction of schools, hospitals, civilian places? Why did you cut by 90 percent the division that’s supposed to help you not target civilians?” Republican Mike Rounds echoed these concerns, questioning the Pentagon’s commitment to protecting non-combatants. Hegseth’s insistence that the department retains “every resource necessary” rang hollow against the backdrop of reported civilian deaths, including a US strike on a girls’ school in Minab.

Aiding Trump’s War Agenda?

Senator Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the committee, delivered some of the harshest critiques, questioning Hegseth’s counsel to the president. Reed expressed concern that Hegseth, a staunch supporter of the war, was “telling the president what he wants to hear, instead of what he needs to hear,” and accused him of “causing lasting harm to the military.” Hegseth, however, doubled down on his attacks against lawmakers, particularly Democrats, labeling them “reckless naysayers and defeatist words,” further exposing the deep divisions and the administration’s authoritarian approach to dissent regarding the war on Iran.

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