Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testified in front of the House Armed Services Committee to discuss the Pentagon’s proposed budget and the Trump administration’s goals in the Middle East amid the current conflict between the U.S. and Iran.
Also questioned were Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Dan Caine, and Jules Hurst III, the acting undersecretary of war for finances.
The House Armed Services Committee hearing marks the first time Secretary Hegseth publicly answers questions about the war in Iran on Capitol Hill.
Timeline And Cost of The Iran War
During the hearing, Secretary Hegseth was asked about the timeline and the cost of the war in Iran.
The Defense Secretary declined to reveal a timeline, reportedly stating that the U.S. Military would never reveal its plans to an adversary about its commitment to the mission.
"I would simply ask you what the cost is of an Iranian nuclear bomb," Hegseth additionally fired back when pressed by Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) about the increased costs of food and gas caused by the conflict.
Hegseth Questioned on Airstrike on an Iranian Elementary School
Secretary Hegseth was also questioned on the deadly strike on an Iranian elementary school that took the lives of more than 165 people at the beginning of “Operation Epic Fury.”
"That unfortunate situation remains under investigation," he said, adding that he "wouldn't tie a cost to that” when asked about the costs associated with the attack.
Hegseth refused to answer any questions pertaining to the events leading up to the strike, asserting that the U.S. does not target civilians.
Estimated Cost of the Iran War So Far
According to a Pentagon official, the war in Iran has cost an estimated $25 billion as of Apr. 29, 2026.
Acting undersecretary Hurst assured during his testimony that the majority of the expenses have been on munitions, while also affirming that money has been spent on operations and equipment replacement.
"We will formulate a supplemental through the White House that will come to Congress once we have a full assessment of the cost of the conflict," Hurst confirmed.
