A Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on the U.S. war in Iran was interrupted on April 30, 2026, by a protester from Code Pink accusing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth of war crimes.

Hearing Disrupted by Protest

The hearing, the first public congressional session since the conflict began, saw Hegseth defend the Pentagon’s request for $1.5 trillion in funding. He faced criticism from both Democrats and a small faction of Republicans regarding the war’s escalating financial and human costs.

Protester Accusations and Removal

The session was dramatically interrupted when a protester, identified as Gus, from the activist group Code Pink, shouted accusations of war crimes and demanded Hegseth’s arrest. The protester held a sign reading “NO WAR ON IRAN” and claimed Hegseth was acting against the will of the American people.

Capitol Police quickly removed the protester after a warning from Committee Chairman Sen. Roger Wicker about further disruptions.

Code Pink’s Campaign and Concerns

Code Pink confirmed the protest was part of their “Arrest Hegseth” campaign, aiming to hold the defense secretary accountable for alleged war crimes. This includes a controversial strike on a school in Iran.

The group has also demanded transparency regarding the use of AI in military operations and whether adequate human oversight is in place for targeting decisions.

Defense Secretary’s Response and Budget Justification

Hegseth responded to the protest by reaffirming his support for President Trump’s war policy. He accused congressional Democrats and some Republicans of undermining the military’s efforts.

In his opening remarks, Hegseth criticized “naysayers and defeatists,” arguing that the war against Iran—which he described as a 40-year threat—required decisive action. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Dan Caine echoed this sentiment, justifying the $1.5 trillion budget request as necessary to maintain U.S. military dominance.

Financial Toll and Ceasefire Status

The hearing also addressed the financial impact of the war, with current estimates placing the cost at $25 billion. Despite a ceasefire being in its third week, the administration maintains that the 60-day limit on war without congressional approval has been paused.

This avoids the need for further legislative approval. The conflict began with coordinated U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran in February and has drawn international scrutiny due to civilian casualties and the potential for prolonged regional instability.