Hegseth defends Iran strikes, calls impeachment push 'noise'

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended U.S. military actions against Iran, Yemen's Houthis, and Venezuela, dismissing a looming impeachment push as "noise" and announcing his first news conference in over 180 days for Tuesday. Hegseth argued the Iran war was necessary to confront Tehran's nuclear program, citing IAEA data on enriched uranium, and said he is eager to litigate the operations. He faces growing congressional anger after Republican midterm losses, with Rep. Thomas Massie advancing an impeachment resolution. Public opinion shows about 60% of voters called the Iran action a "wrong decision," per an AP poll, while Hegseth insists "Iran is devastated" despite ongoing attacks on U.S. bases and shipping disruptions. President Trump has publicly defended Hegseth, citing the wars as historic successes.