### Tensions Rise as Defense Secretary Hegseth Faces Congress Amid Iran-Israel Conflict - The ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel has escalated, prompting U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to return to Capitol Hill for a series of hearings. These hearings are characterized by intense questioning from lawmakers regarding military strategies and policies, particularly in light of President Donald Trump's demands for Iran's "unconditional surrender" and warnings from Iranian leadership about potential repercussions for the U.S. [https://apnews.com/article/hegseth-trump-senate-iran-signal-8a0814d29f204addede54202d40e954d][https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/us-defence-secretary-pete-hegseth-faces-more-grilling-from-congress-as-iran-israel-conflict-escalates/article69708065.ece]. ### Structure of the Congressional Hearings and Key Issues 1. **Hegseth's Return to Capitol Hill**: This marks the final hearing in a series of combative sessions where lawmakers have scrutinized Hegseth's military oversight. 2. **Key Topics of Discussion**: - Military plans regarding the Iran-Israel conflict. - Policies on transgender troops in the military. - Use of the Signal app for sharing sensitive military information. 3. **Political Context**: The hearings occur against a backdrop of escalating military actions between Iran and Israel, raising concerns about a broader regional conflict [https://www.usnews.com/news/us/articles/2025-06-18/hegseth-faces-more-grilling-from-congress-as-iran-israel-conflict-escalates][https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/politics/3462651-heated-hearings-hegseth-in-the-hot-seat-as-global-tensions-rise]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Escalation of Conflict**: Recent airstrikes between Iran and Israel have heightened fears of a wider war, with President Trump demanding Iran's surrender and Iranian leaders warning of severe consequences for U.S. involvement [https://www.usnews.com/news/us/articles/2025-06-18/the-latest-hegseth-taking-questions-as-trump-demands-irans-surrender-to-israel][https://www.thepeterboroughexaminer.com/news/world/united-states/the-latest-hegseth-taking-questions-as-trump-demands-irans-surrender-to-israel/article_329234ec-053d-5ab4-b761-229ef9caf5c9.html]. - **Lawmakers' Concerns**: Lawmakers are particularly focused on Hegseth's management decisions and military policies amid rising global tensions, indicating a critical examination of U.S. military strategy [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/politics/3461845-pete-hegseths-contentious-capitol-gatling-military-oversight-and-international-tensions]. ### Summary of Findings 1. **Hegseth's Hearings**: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is under intense scrutiny from Congress as the Iran-Israel conflict escalates. 2. **Key Issues Addressed**: Lawmakers are questioning military strategies, policies on transgender troops, and communication methods for sensitive information. 3. **Political Climate**: The hearings reflect a critical moment in U.S. foreign policy, with significant implications for military engagement in the Middle East. In conclusion, **the hearings represent a pivotal moment for U.S. military policy**, as lawmakers seek clarity on Hegseth's strategies amid rising tensions in the region. The outcome of these discussions could shape future U.S. involvement in the Iran-Israel conflict and broader Middle Eastern affairs [https://wtop.com/government/2025/06/hegseth-faces-more-grilling-from-congress-as-iran-israel-conflict-escalates][https://www.abc27.com/national/watch-hegseth-faces-more-grilling-from-congress-as-iran-israel-conflict-escalates].