Democratic senators launched a fierce attack on Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Thursday, accusing him of 'dangerously exaggerating' claims about a US victory in Iran and branding the conflict as 'unauthorised'.
Reed Accuses Hegseth of Exaggeration
Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island opened the hearing by criticising Hegseth's statements, stating that the defence secretary had inflated the success of US military operations in Iran. Reed argued that such exaggerations undermined public trust and misrepresented the realities of the ongoing war.
Gillibrand Calls War 'Unauthorised'
Later in the session, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of New York directly confronted Hegseth, describing the war in Iran as 'unauthorised' and questioning its legality. She highlighted the growing unpopularity of the conflict among the American public, citing polls that show widespread opposition to continued military engagement.
The hearing underscored deepening partisan divisions over US foreign policy, with Democrats demanding accountability and transparency from the Trump administration. Hegseth defended his remarks, insisting that the military had achieved significant strategic objectives in Iran.
The exchange comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and ongoing debates over congressional authorisation for the use of military force. Critics argue that the war lacks proper legal backing, while supporters maintain that it is necessary for national security.
