29.04.2026 11:57
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will testify before Congress today for the first time since the Iran war. Although a $1.5 trillion defense budget is under discussion, the session will focus on the war's progress. Lawmakers from both parties, arguing that classified briefings have provided insufficient information, have prepared tough questions. Foreign media report that the session, which will also address tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and military strategies, is expected to be highly tense.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will face lawmakers today at the House Armed Services Committee following the ongoing war with Iran. This will be Hegseth's first comprehensive testimony before Congress since the war began.
Although the official agenda of the session is President Donald Trump's $1.5 trillion defense budget request, the Iran war and developments on the ground are expected to dominate the discussion.
FOREIGN PRESS: TENSIONS HIGH, DEBATE WILL BE FIERCE
According to assessments in U.S. and British media, both Republican and Democratic members believe they were not provided with sufficient information during previous classified briefings. This could turn into a fierce confrontation during the public session.
The war's effects, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, fluctuations in energy markets, and the U.S. military strategy are also among the topics to be questioned. The mine threat and disruptions in maritime traffic in the region have driven global oil prices upward.
CRITICAL DEVELOPMENTS ON THE IRAN FRONT
According to the latest reports in the foreign press, the U.S. administration considers Iran's mining of the Strait of Hormuz as a ceasefire violation and threatens direct military intervention against such attempts.
Meanwhile, the Washington administration emphasizes that there is an "open window" for negotiation with Iran, but time is quickly running out.
POLITICAL AND IDEOLOGICAL DEBATES ALSO ON THE AGENDA
Hegseth's rhetoric during the war is also a subject of debate. Some foreign media outlets have reported criticism of the Defense Secretary's statements containing religious references and his harsh tone.
Additionally, military casualties since the war began and the scope of operations are among the topics that will be questioned by members of Congress.
JOINT CHIEFS CHAIRMAN WILL ALSO TESTIFY
U.S. Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine is also expected to attend the meeting. Caine is said to provide technical and strategic assessments of military operations on the ground.