Hegseth testifies on Iran war before Senate committee: Key takeaways

Key Points:

• U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Cain faced a second day of public questioning before the Senate Armed Forces Committee regarding the U.S.-Israel attacks on Iran that began on February 28.
• Hegseth defended the war effort despite reports of depleted munitions, asserting that U.S. stockpiles remain "in good shape," while Pentagon officials revealed the conflict has cost at least $25 billion so far.
• Cain acknowledged that Russia has provided some assistance to Iran during the conflict but provided limited details in the public forum.
• Hegseth offered a controversial interpretation of the War Powers Act, claiming the 60-day deadline for congressional approval "pauses" during the current fighting pause, a view challenged by Senator Tim Kaine.
• Lawmakers questioned reductions in Pentagon civilian harm oversight and criticized Hegseth for potentially telling President Trump what he wants to hear rather than necessary counsel, with Hegseth countering that critics in Congress are undermining the war effort.