Hegseth stated the conflict has cost about $20 billion, while other officials estimate up to $50 billion. Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy pointed to leaked intelligence: the White House had claimed 70% of Iran’s missiles were destroyed, yet a new public report puts that figure at roughly 30%. Hegseth refused to validate leaked numbers in the open hearing, saying it was not a classified setting.
Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly had warned publicly that U.S. munitions are depleted and that replenishment could take years. Hegseth accused Kelly of airing classified details; Kelly countered that some remarks — including Hegseth’s own comments about replenishment timelines — were already public and demanded clarity on the administration’s goals.