At House Hearing, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth Says Iran and Lebanon “Aren’t Backing Down”

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth appeared Wednesday before the House Armed Services Committee for a policy hearing on the Pentagon’s budget proposal. According to an AP report, Hegseth said the plan would ensure “the strongest, most capable military” is prepared to confront complex, multi-front threats.

Addressing criticism from both parties, he said: “The biggest challenge and adversary are the defeatist voices coming from Democrats and some Republicans.”

Hegseth also touched on ongoing tensions with Iran and Lebanon, saying negotiations remain difficult as both sides hold to their positions. On the naval blockade of Iran, he said the U.S. is working to prevent Tehran from acquiring missiles and related components from abroad.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump told News 12 that he will not lift the naval blockade without an agreement that addresses Iran’s nuclear program. Earlier in the day, reports said Trump had instructed his team to maintain the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz to increase economic pressure. He also wrote on Truth Social: “Iran can’t get its act together. They don’t know how to sign a non-nuclear agreement. You’d better get it together soon!”

A senior Pakistani official told Reuters that Iran’s decision-making process remains slow and fragmented, with responses sometimes taking several days. According to the report, Iran’s supreme leader plays a largely symbolic role, while key decisions are shaped by military leadership.

CNN reported that an updated Iranian proposal aimed at easing tensions with the United States could be delivered as soon as today or Friday, with delays attributed to internal coordination challenges.