Impeachment proceedings launched against Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth over Iran conflict

Impeachment proceedings were launched Monday against U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, primarily over his management of the Iran conflict, intensifying pressure on the Pentagon and White House following the Republicans' midterm defeat. Republican Representative Thomas Massie filed the resolution, accusing Hegseth of violating the law by waging war against Iran without congressional authorization and ignoring rules to minimize civilian casualties, citing a bombing of a school in Minab that killed 120 children. Massie also alleges extrajudicial executions and the kidnapping of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The House vote could pass due to Republican opposition and absenteeism, but Senate conviction is unlikely as Republicans hold 53 seats. Hegseth defends the Iran war as "courageous and historic," while President Donald Trump has reaffirmed confidence in him.