Hegseth Denies US Trapped in Middle East Quagmire, Congressional Testimony Heated
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth strongly refuted criticisms that the Middle East conflict has trapped the US in a 'quagmire' during his first congressional testimony since the US-Israel attack on Iran. Democratic lawmakers countered that the government was misleading the public about the war's purpose and progress, highlighting escalating partisan tensions.
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- 📰 Published: April 30, 2026 at 21:49
- 🔍 Collected: April 30, 2026 at 22:02 (12 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 1, 2026 at 04:24 (6h 22m after Collected)
US-Iran War Key News
Central News Agency
(Central News Agency, Washington, April 30, comprehensive foreign reports) US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, in his first congressional testimony since the US and Israel jointly attacked Iran, strongly refuted criticisms from Democratic Representative John Garamendi that the conflict has trapped the United States in a 'quagmire'.
According to comprehensive reports from Reuters and Newsweek, Hegseth stated that such remarks amounted to 'providing material for enemy propaganda,' adding that the protracted wars in Iraq and Afghanistan were the real quagmires.
He accused Democrats of seizing the opportunity for political maneuvering, claiming their criticisms were not based on an objective assessment of military progress but stemmed from hostility towards President Trump.
Garamendi retorted that Hegseth and Trump were misleading the public, concealing the true purpose and progress of the war, and called the conflict a 'political and economic disaster.'
He said that rising oil prices and accelerating inflation showed that the war had impacted the domestic economy, while other Democratic lawmakers demanded Hegseth explain the government's overall strategic layout.
These fierce exchanges reflect the continued breakdown of bipartisan unity in the United States, and according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll, only 34% of respondents supported launching this war, further deepening the political risks faced by the White House.
In addition, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also issued his strongest criticism to date, attacking Trump's handling of the Iran war, stating bluntly that Iran was 'humiliating the Trump administration' and warning that the war could escalate into another Middle East quagmire.
His remarks echoed the concerns of other allied leaders, with widespread criticism of the US's lack of a coherent strategy, and disruptions to energy supply also bringing economic pressure. The questioning from key allies highlights the diplomatic cost of this conflict and the risk of weakening transatlantic unity.
Two months after the war began, the US Congress has yet to hold public hearings on the Iran war, leaving many lawmakers dissatisfied with the lack of transparency. According to the War Powers Resolution, if Congress has not formally declared war or authorized the use of force, the President must terminate military action within 60 days.
However, with a lack of active promotion from congressional leadership, the deadline may pass without decisive action, which will further weaken the legislature's oversight of military operations. (Compiler: Liu Wen-yu) 1150430
Central News Agency
(Central News Agency, Washington, April 30, comprehensive foreign reports) US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, in his first congressional testimony since the US and Israel jointly attacked Iran, strongly refuted criticisms from Democratic Representative John Garamendi that the conflict has trapped the United States in a 'quagmire'.
According to comprehensive reports from Reuters and Newsweek, Hegseth stated that such remarks amounted to 'providing material for enemy propaganda,' adding that the protracted wars in Iraq and Afghanistan were the real quagmires.
He accused Democrats of seizing the opportunity for political maneuvering, claiming their criticisms were not based on an objective assessment of military progress but stemmed from hostility towards President Trump.
Garamendi retorted that Hegseth and Trump were misleading the public, concealing the true purpose and progress of the war, and called the conflict a 'political and economic disaster.'
He said that rising oil prices and accelerating inflation showed that the war had impacted the domestic economy, while other Democratic lawmakers demanded Hegseth explain the government's overall strategic layout.
These fierce exchanges reflect the continued breakdown of bipartisan unity in the United States, and according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll, only 34% of respondents supported launching this war, further deepening the political risks faced by the White House.
In addition, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also issued his strongest criticism to date, attacking Trump's handling of the Iran war, stating bluntly that Iran was 'humiliating the Trump administration' and warning that the war could escalate into another Middle East quagmire.
His remarks echoed the concerns of other allied leaders, with widespread criticism of the US's lack of a coherent strategy, and disruptions to energy supply also bringing economic pressure. The questioning from key allies highlights the diplomatic cost of this conflict and the risk of weakening transatlantic unity.
Two months after the war began, the US Congress has yet to hold public hearings on the Iran war, leaving many lawmakers dissatisfied with the lack of transparency. According to the War Powers Resolution, if Congress has not formally declared war or authorized the use of force, the President must terminate military action within 60 days.
However, with a lack of active promotion from congressional leadership, the deadline may pass without decisive action, which will further weaken the legislature's oversight of military operations. (Compiler: Liu Wen-yu) 1150430