'The American people are being lied to,' says US spending $25 billion on Iran war; Democrats lash out at Trump's minister

News Topical, Digital Desk : US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced tough questions in Congress regarding the Iran war. Democratic lawmakers sharply criticized the Trump administration for launching the war without congressional approval.

According to the Pentagon, approximately $25 billion has been spent on this war so far. Meanwhile, a proposal was also made to increase the defense budget to $1.5 trillion by 2027. During the hearing, Democratic leaders raised questions about the rising cost of the war, weapons shortages, and the deaths of children in a school bombing.

Attack by Democrats

Democratic lawmakers alleged that the government had misled the public about the reasons for the war. California Congressman John Garamendi called it a major strategic mistake. Pete Hegseth responded by saying that the criticism was political and that the opposition's statements were harmful to the country. The atmosphere during the hearing was very tense, and the meeting lasted approximately six hours.

Responding to a question, Hegseth said that Iran's nuclear sites were destroyed in US attacks in 2025, but Iran has not abandoned its nuclear ambitions. Congressman Adam Smith questioned why war was necessary if the sites were destroyed. He said that this war has only left the situation unchanged.

Oil crisis and rising prices

Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz has caused oil prices to spike, impacting the United States. The United States has imposed a maritime blockade against Iran and deployed three aircraft carriers to the Middle East. Democrats have said rising fuel prices are hitting ordinary people hard.

The hearing also raised questions about the decision to remove several senior Army officers. Pete Hegseth stated that these changes were necessary for a new leadership system and a "warrior culture." Some Republican leaders also expressed concern about these decisions, while others supported them.

The conflict over the war still continues

Currently, tensions between the US and Iran remain high, and the situation has not fully returned to normal. Trump has rejected Iran's offer to lift sanctions in exchange for opening the Strait of Hormuz.

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