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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 requested $200 billion in additional funding for the ongoing trump-faces-growing-criticism-over-iran-war-control.html" class="story-link" title="The Memo: Frustrated Trump struggles against perception that he’s losing control">Iran war, now in its 20th day under Operation Epic Fury. During Pentagon briefings, Hegseth criticized media coverage and European allies while defending the massive funding request. The conflict has escalated with Iran targeting energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

Why people care

This represents a significant escalation in military spending and diplomatic tensions during an active conflict. Hegseth's confrontational approach with both the press and allies marks a departure from traditional Pentagon communications, raising questions about transparency and Scrap AI Ballot Measure Over Child Safety Concerns">coalition management during wartime.

The takes

Pentagon says

The $200 billion funding request is necessary because 'it takes money to kill bad guys,' with Hegseth suggesting the amount could fluctuate. Media coverage is dishonest and motivated by a desire to see President Trump fail, while European allies are being ungrateful during this critical time.

Media concerns

The Pentagon's restriction of its own publication from press conferences raises transparency concerns during an active war. The massive funding request and confrontational tone toward traditional allies represents a concerning shift in how military leadership communicates during international conflicts.

Sources