Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced intense scrutiny from furious Democrats on Wednesday during his first congressional appearance since the Trump administration initiated military action against Iran. Lawmakers grilled Hegseth over the costly conflict, which has proceeded without congressional approval and has already amounted to $25 billion, according to Pentagon figures presented to the House Armed Services Committee. The contentious hearing, ostensibly focused on the administration’s proposed 2027 military budget of a historic $1.5 trillion, saw Republicans largely supporting the Iran operation and focusing on financial details. Lawmakers grilled Hegseth over the costly conflict, which has proceeded without congressional approval and has already amounted to $25 billion (Getty) Democrats, however, pressed Hegseth and Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, on the escalating war costs, a significant depletion of critical U.S.…