'Unauthorised war': Democrat grills Hegseth over US-Iran conflict
She pointed to growing concerns among constituents over the rising financial cost of the conflict and reports of civilian casualties, including a US missile strike on a primary school in Minab
A tense exchange unfolded in a Senate hearing as Democratic Senator Kirsten Gillibrand sharply criticised the US administration's handling of the war with Iran, calling it "an unauthorised war" lacking public support, reports The Guardian.
Addressing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Gillibrand said, "I don't know if you fully appreciate how much the American people do not support this war. It is an unauthorised war."
She pointed to growing concerns among constituents over the rising financial cost of the conflict and reports of civilian casualties, including a US missile strike on a primary school in Minab. She also raised questions about the use of artificial intelligence in warfare.
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"I would just like to know why you have not sought the support of the American people?" she asked during the heated exchange.
Hegseth pushed back, suggesting Democrats were striking a different tone in public than in private briefings. "The question I would ask to you and to others is, what is the cost of a nuclear-armed Iran?" he said, maintaining that the administration still has public backing despite polling indicating otherwise.
Gillibrand further pressed the issue of civilian harm, asking, "What is your response to targeting that has resulted in the destruction of schools, hospitals, civilian places? Why did you cut by 90% the division that's supposed to help you not target civilians?"
In response, Hegseth defended US military conduct, saying its commitment to preventing civilian casualties is "ironclad" and stronger than that of other countries.
