Hegseth defends Iran war cost, clashes with critics over nuclear threat

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is defending the ongoing military campaign against Iran, claiming it has cost $25 billion so far but is necessary to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. He compared Iran's nuclear ambitions to those of North Korea and argued that a ceasefire would stop the clock on the War Powers Resolution, limiting congressional oversight.

Hegseth faced sharp criticism from Senator Richard Blumenthal, who accused him of applauding the war and called claims of victory dishonest. Meanwhile, reports say President Trump is set to receive a military briefing on potential strikes against Iran, and some sources suggest the true cost of the war is higher than the Pentagon's estimate, as it does not include rebuilding damaged US bases.