US Rep Presses Defense Secretary on Iran Strike Cost, Met with Refusal

Democratic Representative Ro Khanna questioned Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on the cost of a school strike in Minab, Iran, but Hegseth refused to provide a clear answer, sparking controversy.

Sun May 03 2026

US Representative Challenges Defense Secretary on Iran Strike Costs

During a hearing on Capitol Hill, Democratic Representative Ro Khanna intensely pressed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth regarding the financial cost of a controversial school strike in Minab, Iran. Khanna demanded to know how much the operation cost American taxpayers. However, Secretary Hegseth refused to give a clear answer, stating he would not 'tie a cost to it.' This refusal to disclose the information has generated significant controversy both within the hearing and online.

Accountability Questions Emerge Amid Refusal to Answer

Representative Khanna presented staggering figures related to the strike and demanded accountability from Secretary Hegseth for the expenditure. Despite Khanna's persistent questioning and detailed figures, Secretary Hegseth consistently maintained his stance of not 'tying a cost to it.' This exchange became one of the most intense moments of the hearing, highlighting a clash over transparency. The incident has raised fresh questions about accountability concerning the U.S. government's overseas military operations.

*Source: YouTube: Times of India (2026-05-03)*

Tags: #US Politics #Iran #Defense Spending #Ro Khanna #Pete Hegseth