"Perhaps we should believe them," Rep. Michael Turner (R-Ohio) said about Iran's recent threats.

Afghanistan commander Gen. John Allen on Tuesday assured lawmakers the war in that country is “on track,” despite recent turmoil that has spurred increased calls for a speedier withdrawal. Read more...

Senators from both parties emphasized their hometown concerns with the Pentagon's budget Tuesday, focusing on local bases and proposed Air Force cuts to the Air National Guard at a Senate hearing.

“I have significant concerns about the way the Air Force’s proposed cuts fall disproportionately on the National Guard, and I question the logic that the Air Force used in crafting their proposal," said Senate Armed Services Chairman Carl Levin (D-Mich.) at Tuesday's hearing. Levin's home state of Michigan is among those facing possible cuts to its Air National Guard as part of the Air Force's budget, which would slash personnel and aircraft on bases across the country.

Sen. Scott Brown (R-Mass.) also voiced his concerns, acknowledging the proposed cuts to Westover Air Force Base in his home state of Massachusetts. He noted that its fleet of C-5 cargo planes will be reduced by half in spite of the team’s high success rate.

An Israeli-led airstrike against suspected nuclear weapons sites in Iran would likely pin U.S forces into a protracted regional conflict, resulting in a raft of American casualties and the loss of millions in military hardware. 

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Tuesday that the Iranians will attack to defend themselves if they are threatened by either the United States or Israel.

Speaking in a live television address, Khamenei said that Iran would retaliate “on the same level” of any U.S. or Israeli attack.

“We do not have atomic weapons and we will not build one,” Khamenei said, according to The Associated press. “But against an attack by enemies — to defend ourselves either against the U.S. or Zionist regime — we will attack them on the same level that they attack us.”

The U.S. military "will remain a fact on the ground" in Afghanistan long after a White House deadline to have all American troops out of the country expires, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) said today.

Congress must make sure the Pentagon is ready for war with Iran, a top defense lawmaker said Tuesday.

The plan charges that President Obama is weakening national security by cutting spending at the Pentagon.

“The victims and their families are all in my prayers, as is my husband who I love very much,” Karilyn Bales said.