U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has asserted that the United States possesses the capability to target the nuclear site at Mount Fes in Iran, highlighting that Washington has multiple military options at its disposal if necessary.
Hegseth's remarks were made during a congressional hearing, where he stated that the U.S. "has the capability" to strike the nuclear site, emphasizing that the available military options are not restricted to a single scenario.
The U.S. Defense Secretary further noted that Iran is in "the weakest military position it has ever been," attributing significant damage to its capabilities to U.S. military operations.
However, he cautioned that Tehran "still possesses capabilities," although the damage inflicted in recent operations has left it in its worst military position to date.
Cost of War Increases
Hegseth's statements came during a hearing where he defended the U.S. administration’s request for approximately $67 billion in additional Pentagon funding to cover war expenses. He revealed that the cost of military operations against Iran has risen to $37.5 billion so far, a figure that includes expected expenses through September 30.
This estimate represents an increase from the $29 billion cost projected in mid-May, amid ongoing U.S. strikes and escalating military spending.
The session also saw participation from Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Dan Ken, with congressional debates on the war's cost and funding needs. The request faces criticism from both Republican and Democratic members due to rising military expenditures.
These developments occur as the U.S. continues its military operations against Iranian targets, following the collapse of a ceasefire agreement between the two sides, with the Trump Administration maintaining military and diplomatic pressure on Tehran.