Defense Secretary Hegseth returned to Capitol Hill on Tuesday for a second day of testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee, marking the first public congressional hearings since the outbreak of hostilities with Iran. Alongside the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Hegseth faced pointed questions about the administration's strategy, troop readiness, and the scope of military engagement.
"We are committed to defending our national security interests, but we must also ensure that our actions are measured and in line with international law," Hegseth stated during the session.
The hearings highlighted growing bipartisan concerns over the lack of a clear exit strategy and the potential for the conflict to expand beyond its current borders. Several senators pressed for details on diplomatic efforts and the long-term goals of the campaign.
Key takeaways include:
- No timeline for withdrawal: Hegseth declined to provide a specific date for ending U.S. combat operations, emphasizing conditions on the ground.
- Civilian casualties under scrutiny: Lawmakers demanded stricter protocols to prevent non-combatant deaths, with the Pentagon vowing to review rules of engagement.
- Allied support questioned: Some senators expressed frustration over the limited participation of NATO allies, while Hegseth insisted coalition contributions were sufficient.
The hearings are expected to continue with closed-door sessions to discuss classified intelligence.