The US Defense Secretary, Lloyd Austin, appeared before the House Armed Services Committee in Congress for the first time since the Iran conflict began. The committee discussed the proposed increase of the country’s defense budget to $1.5 trillion next year. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and General Mark Milley testified before the House Armed Services Committee. According to the White House spokesperson, Donald Trump has vowed never to provide Iran with nuclear weapons. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that the Trump administration faces the biggest challenge in Congress’s opposition during the Iran conflict. The war has only been ongoing for two months, and Iran’s conflict is shorter than Iraq, Afghanistan, and Vietnam wars. However, the biggest challenge is the opposition and demoralizing statements from Democrats and some Republicans.
The White House is exerting pressure on Iran to accept a new nuclear deal. Austin stated that Iranian nuclear capabilities have been severely damaged by the Israeli and US airstrikes last year. Iran still aims to develop nuclear weapons despite having thousands of traditional missiles. The US will not allow Iran to develop nuclear weapons. Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley briefed the committee on Operation Apocalypse Fury, marking the first time the US Defense Secretary has testified before Congress since the Iran conflict began.
A US female journalist shared a video on social media of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin facing protesters during his testimony. General Mark Milley stated that the US military is the most organized and professional force in the world, and they have achieved their objectives in the Iran conflict. The US is making efforts to further strengthen the military, and they cannot allow Iran to develop nuclear weapons. General Mark Milley stated that a $1.5 trillion defense budget is a historical investment in future security, as modern wars require rapid technological advancements. The increasing role of technology in warfare means that more investment is required, especially in the global battlefields.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken held a telephone conversation. Trump called Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, stating that Trump and his administration use the correct term “Persian Gulf” when referring to the Strait of Hormuz. Abbas Araghchi stated that referring to it by any other name is a “serious mistake.” Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi stated that Iran is ready to take a diplomatic path again after the change in the US position. According to data, 53 training centers have been established in Bangladesh to teach Japanese language.
The average price of petrol in the US has risen by 8 cents to $4.30 per gallon, with the highest price recorded in California at $6 per gallon. Rear Admiral Shahram Irani stated that the enemy will face a swift response if they attempt to advance towards the Strait of Hormuz from the Arabian Sea. King Charles III addressed the US Congress on the second day of his official visit, stating that the recent rains in southern Iraq have led to a return to normal life.
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi blamed the US and Israel for the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and the blockade. A shocking incident occurred in the Indian state of Jharkhand, where a 17-year-old girl killed her mother along with her boyfriend and his friends. The announcement stated that the government has extended a subsidy for a month for motorcyclists, public, and goods transport.
