Three takeaways from Hegseth's clash with lawmakers over Iran war

Three takeaways from Hegseth's clash with lawmakers over Iran war 14 hours agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleKwasi AsieduHegseth: Talk of Iran war as a quagmire "undermines the mission"US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth sparred with Democratic lawmakers over the Iran war during a nearly six-hour-long hearing, in which one of his officials also revealed that American operations had cost the country $25bn (£18.5bn) so far.Hegseth, who faced questions under oath for the first time since the war started, appeared on Wednesday before the House Armed Services Committee, alongside Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen Dan Caine and the defence department's chief financial officer Jules Hurst.The defence secretary faced questions over the cost of the war, and said the "biggest adversary we face" was the "defeatist words" of Democrats and some Republicans. Here are three key takeaways from Wednesday's hearing. The group will also appear before the equivalent Senate committee on Thursday.Cost of war comes under microscopeMoney was a major talking point during the hearing.Hurst revealed that the war had cost the US $25bn (£18.5bn) so far, and that most of the expenses had been for munitions and to replace equipment.He said a full assessment of the cost would be provided at a later time. The US and Iran have agreed on a ceasefire to allow for peace talks, but the conflict has not officially ended.Democratic lawmakers on the committee criticised how federal money was being used. Oil price hits highest since 2022 after report Trump to be briefed on new Iran optionsThe White House has asked Congress to boost the US defence budget to $1.5tn (£1.1tn), a sweeping rise that would mark the largest expansion in military spending since World War Two.Hegseth told the committee the budget request "reflects the urgency of the moment".Gen Caine said the $1.5tn "represents a historic down payment for future security" that...