Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth has clashed with Democratic Senator Kirsten Gillibrand over the conduct of the war in Iran.

During a Senate hearing, the senator has grilled the war secretary over the lack of popular support for the war and the fact that it was not authorised by Congress.

“They have so many grave concerns over how this war is being prosecuted,” says Gillibrand, referring to the American public. “Why do you continue to prosecute a war the American people aren’t behind?”

Hegseth has replied by asking, “What is the cost of a nuclear-armed Iran?”