On Tuesday, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and General Dan Caine testified before a Senate committee regarding the escalating costs of military operations against Iran. The hearing was marked by sharp questioning from Senator Lindsey Graham.

During the session, Graham questioned why ceasefire negotiations were being held in Pakistan, expressing frustration that Islamabad might be allowing Iranian fighter jets to remain grounded on its territory. When pressed whether this activity would be inconsistent with Pakistan’s role as a peace mediator, General Caine declined to comment, stating he was focused on ongoing negotiations and Pakistan’s current position.

Hegseth also avoided direct engagement with the mediation issue, saying he did not want to get involved in the talks. Graham countered: “Well I do.”

The senator added that if Iranian aircraft are indeed parked at Pakistani bases for military protection, it would indicate a need for alternative mediators, remarking: “No wonder this damn thing is going nowhere.”

Earlier, President Trump declared that the ceasefire with Iran was “on life support” after labeling the latest peace proposal “totally unacceptable.” The president also indicated plans to suspend the gas tax amid soaring fuel prices.

Additionally, Republicans in both chambers have raised concerns about Secretary Hegseth’s $1.5 trillion Pentagon budget request for fiscal year 2024. Committee leaders questioned the feasibility of funding such a large amount through reconciliation processes, which are time-consuming and politically challenging.

House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense Chair Rep. Ken Calvert noted that “questions persist” regarding how the requested resources would translate into real, measurable improvements in military capabilities. Senate Appropriations Chairman Mitch McConnell criticized Hegseth’s plan for leaving critical defense programs—including the “Golden Dome” missile system and F-35 jet production—outside standard appropriations.