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Live updates: Hegseth blasts European allies, media at press conference; Iran targets Gulf energy sites

What happened

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the Pentagon's $200 billion funding request for the ongoing Iran war, stating 'it takes money to kill bad guys.' The request comes as the conflict, dubbed Operation Epic Fury, enters its 20th day. Iran recently struck oil facilities in Saudi Arabia and a natural gas facility in Qatar, while the U.S. seeks international support for reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

Why people care

This marks a significant escalation in military spending requests for an active conflict that has unsanction-iranian-oil-already-on-the-water-bessent-says.html" class="story-link" title="US May Unsanction Iranian Oil Already On the Water, Bessent Says">already disrupted global energy infrastructure. The war's impact on oil and gas facilities in the Gulf region threatens global energy supplies, while the massive funding request raises questions about the conflict's scope and duration.

The takes

Administration says

The $200 billion is necessary funding to conduct military operations effectively against Iranian forces. Hegseth emphasized that adequate resources are essential for military success, while President Trump is actively seeking support from allies including Japan and European nations to help secure critical shipping lanes.

Critics say

The massive funding request lacks sufficient congressional oversight and transparency about the war's objectives and timeline. European allies have expressed concern about being drawn into a broader Middle East conflict, with some questioning the strategic approach and demanding clearer coalition frameworks before committing resources.

Sources