House nears test vote on impeaching Hegseth as he decries 'political spectacle'

On Tuesday, the US House of Representatives narrowly prevented the impeachment of Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth over his handling of the Iran war. The 211-204 vote, though a setback for Trump, only postponed potential impeachment proceedings until January when Democrats gain control of Congress. Five key questions surround the next steps.

Republicans blocked Hegseth's impeachment by referring the resolution to a committee, effectively halting immediate proceedings. Democrats' January control of both chambers could revive impeachment talks. Hegseth faces eight charges, including alleged unlawful military operations during the Iran war.

Trump has defended Hegseth, referring to the impeachment attempt as politically motivated. Should Democrats take control, they could initiate impeachment hearings, though removal would require a two-thirds majority in the Senate. The Iran war is central to the controversy, with accusations that Hegseth conducted operations beyond the limits of the 1973 War Powers Resolution. Democrats could also investigate other alleged misconduct, but any further impeachment would depend on Republican support.