US Congress to question Hegseth on Iran war and $1.5 trillion defence plan

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth is set to face renewed questioning from lawmakers over the ongoing conflict with Iran and the Trump administration’s proposed military budget.

The hearings, organised by key House and Senate defence spending subcommittees, will examine a proposed $1.5 trillion defence budget for 2027, one of the largest in US history.

However, discussions are expected to focus heavily on the continuing US-Israel war with Iran, including concerns from some Republican lawmakers over the length of the conflict and the lack of formal congressional approval.

Rising fuel prices linked to the war are also becoming a growing political issue ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.

Hegseth and Dan Caine are expected to defend the administration’s military strategy while outlining plans to expand supplies of drones, warships and missile interceptor systems.

Officials are also likely to address concerns over depleted US weapons stockpiles after months of military operations linked to the Iran conflict.

The hearings come as pressure increases on the White House to explain both the long-term military objectives of the war and the rising economic costs facing American consumers.