Iran latest: Questions on Iran strategy, defense spending expected for Hegseth at congressional hearing

The ongoing ceasefire between the United States and Iran may have survived through Monday, but President Donald Trump indicated the current break in hostilities is on "life support."

Trump’s warning about a potential resumption of active fighting came after the U.S. rejected Iran’s latest peace proposal, which the president called a "piece of garbage," adding that he "didn’t even finish reading it."

Reports indicate both sides remain divided with Washington pushing for meaningful nuclear concessions and Tehran wanting a more limited deal that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end the blockade as a precursor to further talks.

San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD-18) patrols the Arabian Sea enforcing a maritime blockade against ships entering or exiting Iranian ports and coastal areas, April 28, 2026. (U.S. Navy photo)

As the conflict continues to weigh heavily on drivers’ wallets, with gasoline prices stuck at over $4.50 per gallon and diesel fuel sitting more than a dollar a gallon higher than that, according to AAA’s latest figures, Trump indicated he would back a plan to offer a little relief by suspending the federal gasoline tax.

Any relief from the gas tax, which currently sits at around 18 cents per gallon for gas and 24 cents per gallon for diesel, would require the approval of Congress. 

Here's the latest:

Hegseth to testify before appropriations committee

U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth delivers opening remarks during a bilateral meeting with South Korean Minister of National Defense Ahn Gyu-back at the Pentagon on May 11, 2026 in Arlington, Virginia. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

7:22 a.m. ET: Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is expected to take questions from lawmakers Tuesday as he appears before the House Appropriations Committee Tuesday morning. 

One of the biggest topics on mind would be the massive $1.5 trillion budget request, which would increase defense spending by nearly 50 percent from 2026 levels. He's also likely to hear questions concerning the military's strategy toward Iran as peace talks remain at a stalemate.