Trump’s Iran Policy Under Fire as Pentagon Seeks Higher Spending

Pete Hegseth is set to face questioning from lawmakers for the first time since Donald Trump launched military action against Iran, with Democrats criticising the conflict as a costly war undertaken without congressional approval.

The hearing before the House Armed Services Committee will focus on the administration’s 2027 military budget proposal, which seeks to raise defence spending to a record $1.5 trillion. Hegseth, along with Dan Caine, is expected to emphasise the need for enhanced military capabilities, including drones, missile defence systems and warships.

Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts to end the conflict remain stalled. President Trump has warned of tougher action against Iran, criticising Tehran’s stance in negotiations and referencing tensions around the Strait of Hormuz.

The US is pushing Iran to agree to a stricter non-nuclear deal aimed at curbing uranium enrichment and preventing the development of nuclear weapons, as geopolitical tensions in the region continue to escalate.