On Tuesday, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and General Dan Caine faced rigorous questioning from both Republicans and Democrats during Senate testimony about the current cost of the Iran conflict.
Senator Lindsey Graham pressed both officials on why ceasefire negotiations were being held in Pakistan. Graham, who described the military operation against Iran as “spectacular,” asked Caine if he was aware that Islamabad is allowing Iranian aircraft to park on Pakistani fields. Caine acknowledged having seen reports about the activity.
When Graham questioned whether such activities would be inconsistent with serving as a peace mediator, Caine stated he would not comment based on the ongoing negotiations and Pakistan’s role. Hegseth also declined to directly address the negotiations, prompting Graham: “Well I do.”
“ heating the issue further, Graham declared, ‘If they actually have Iranian aircraft parked in Pakistan bases to protect Iranian military assets, that tells me we should be looking for somebody else to mediate.’ ‘No wonder this damn thing is going nowhere.’”
President Trump declared on Monday that the ceasefire with Iran is “on life support” after labeling the latest peace proposal “totally unacceptable.” He also announced plans to suspend the gas tax amid rising fuel prices.
Meanwhile, Republicans in both chambers of Congress have expressed skepticism over Secretary Hegseth’s $1.5 trillion Pentagon budget request. The proposal aims to fund $1.1 trillion through regular appropriations and an additional $350 billion via reconciliation—a process that Republicans could use to bypass Democratic filibusters but has faced significant challenges.
House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense Chair Rep. Ken Calvert noted that questions remain about how the requested funds would translate into tangible improvements in military capability. He raised serious concerns regarding the Pentagon’s method for funding. Hegseth responded: “There’s a reality in this town of what can get done and how it gets done,” adding that with a $1.5 trillion budget, there are many challenges beyond his control.
House Appropriations Committee Chair Tom Cole similarly expressed doubt about sustaining the requested funding through reconciliation, stating that at some point the money would disappear. At a Senate hearing, Chairman Mitch McConnell objected to leaving critical Pentagon programs—including the “Golden Dome” missile defense system, munitions, and F-35 fighter jet production—outside the standard appropriations process.
