In the face of mounting impeachment pressure, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has defended President Donald Trump's military action against Iran under Operation Epic Fury, asserting it as a necessary move despite doubts about its political and electoral repercussions following the midterm setback. Speaking at the Naval War College on Monday, Hegseth endorsed Trump's stance on potential future military intervention against Iran. He dismissed impeachment concerns and urged Republican lawmakers to approve a significant military funding bill. Hegseth defended Trump's decision to counter what he described as Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons, alleging Tehran had developed a conventional missile shield to impede international efforts to curb its nuclear aspirations. The administration responded with operations like Midnight Hammer and Epic Fury, according to Hegseth. When asked about the prospect of defeating impeachment articles against him that week, Hegseth expressed confidence but declined to disclose specific vote counts. Earlier, Hegseth had dismissed calls for his removal as politically motivated, accusing critics of undermining successful military operations and the achievements of American service personnel. He also highlighted the Trump administration's accomplishments in securing increased financial contributions from European allies, expanding joint operations against Latin American cartels, and strengthening partnerships across the Pacific. Despite refusing to specify the conditions that would formally end the Iran war, Hegseth maintained that Trump retained the tactical advantage. He said the president had the option to halt military operations while warning Tehran against transferring nuclear material. Hegseth identified military funding as his department's top priority over the next two months and called on Republican lawmakers to unite behind a reconciliation Bill, prioritizing intelligence technology, space capabilities, Iron Dome, munitions, and shipbuilding. He also announced major reforms to senior military colleges following an 18-month evaluation process, aiming to focus more on warfighting, deterring conflicts, and ensuring the ability to win wars when necessary. Meanwhile, Trump has expressed support for Hegseth amid a push by Republican Representative Thomas Massie to secure a House vote on impeaching the Pentagon chief over his handling of the Iran war and other military operations. Trump condemned Massie as a "loser" and vowed to stand by Hegseth even if the House voted for impeachment, crediting him with overseeing successful US military operations in Venezuela and Iran.