Hegseth Faces Congressional Scrutiny Over Iran War Costs and Troop Safety

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testified before the House Armed Services Committee, defending the escalating $25 billion cost of the eight-week-old war with Iran. During the heated hearing, Hegseth dismissed criticism regarding troop protections at a Kuwaiti base where six U.S. soldiers were killed, labeling reports of inadequate safety measures as "falsehoods." He further claimed that previous U.S. strikes in June had decimated Iran's nuclear infrastructure, though lawmakers questioned why major conflict was necessary less than a year later. On the diplomatic front, President Trump engaged in back-channel discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who offered to assist with Iran's uranium stockpiles while warning of the consequences of prolonged military action. Trump also met with U.S. oil executives to prepare for a "months-long" naval blockade. The President signaled that while talks have progressed, the U.S. requires Tehran to completely renounce nuclear weapons, urging the Iranian leadership to "give up" as economic pressure mounts. The conflict's economic impact is intensifying, with oil prices reaching four-year highs following the redirection of 42 ships from Iranian waters. In Tehran, the rial has plummeted to a record low against the dollar, indicating a potential economic collapse. Despite the economic and diplomatic pressure, direct negotiations remain stalled following the cancellation of U.S. diplomatic missions to the region.