Hegseth's fourth and final appearance before Congress in a week -- came as Israel and Iran have been exchanging missile fire in a conflict that is raising fears of an all-out war in the Middle East.

Just ask Jimmy Carter, whose White House term was forever framed by the unsuccessful attempt to rescue hostages held by Iran in 1979. That led to his defeat in 1980 by Ronald Reagan. President Donald Trump no doubt is aware of history – and perhaps irony as well – as events in Iran are again front and center at a pivotal moment early in his second stint in the White House.