US Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth faced tough questioning from lawmakers on Tuesday as he defended the growing cost of the US military campaign against Iran.
Speaking before the Senate Appropriations Committee, Hegseth said the conflict has so far cost $37.5 billion (€32.89 billion), a figure significantly higher than earlier estimates. He argued that additional funding is urgently needed, warning that the military faces critical shortfalls without it.
The hearing was repeatedly interrupted by protesters and came days after the Pentagon confirmed that three more US service members had died in the conflict, bringing the American death toll to 17.
Democratic senators challenged both the cost and direction of the war. Senator Patty Murray warned of “another forever war,” while other lawmakers questioned why the Pentagon was seeking more funding when some previously approved military spending has yet to be used.
The debate comes as Republicans push a $95 billion budget package that includes tens of billions for the military and national security, as well as funding for agriculture and election-related measures.
Meanwhile, opinion polls suggest many Americans remain critical of US President Donald Trump’s handling of the conflict as fighting with Iran continues.
Trump approves nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia — reports
According to media reports, the United States plans to announce a deal with Saudi Arabia as early as Wednesday, granting the country permission to enrich uranium as part of a civilian nuclear program.
Citing two people familiar with the matter, the Associated Press reported that President Donald Trump has approved an agreement with Saudi Arabia that would involve US firms in developing the program.
Meanwhile, Reuters reported that the Trump administration plans to submit a pact with Saudi Arabia to Congress within days, citing two unnamed sources.
According to Reuters’ sources, the pact would allow the sharing of nuclear power technology, but it would not include the safeguards that the US has long said would prevent materials from being used in nuclear weapons programs.
The Trump administration reportedly said the 30-year deal will provide billions of dollars for the US nuclear industry. Following a joint US-Saudi study, the deal could allow for the construction of a uranium enrichment facility in Saudi Arabia.
However, some US lawmakers from both parties and Israeli officials have expressed concerns about a civilian nuclear project in Saudi Arabia, fearing it could eventually lead to the development of nuclear weapons.
Credit: DW
