A tense exchange erupted in the US Congress on Wednesday as Democratic Representative Ro Khanna and other lawmakers pressed War Secretary Pete Hegseth over the true cost of the war with Iran, including a deadly strike on a school in Minab. During a House Armed Services Committee hearing, Khanna challenged Hegseth’s estimate that the conflict had cost around $25 billion so far.
Hegseth Questioned on War Costs
Khanna repeatedly pressed Hegseth on whether the $25 billion figure accounted for full replacement costs and damage. Hegseth suggested that any revisions would be handled by the 'comptroller', deflecting direct answers. The exchange escalated when Khanna raised the cost of the strike on the Minab school, which killed scores of civilians, including children.
Minab School Strike Under Scrutiny
Khanna specifically asked Hegseth how much the strike on the Minab school cost American taxpayers, and what the human cost was. Hegseth appeared speechless and struggled to provide a clear response. Democrats accused the administration of underestimating the financial and human toll of the conflict.
The hearing highlighted growing bipartisan concern over the prolonged Iran war, with lawmakers demanding greater transparency on military spending and civilian casualties. The Minab strike has drawn international condemnation, and this hearing marks one of the most direct challenges to the Pentagon's narrative.
