The Friday letters page is exasperated at the technical problems in Halo: Campaign Evolved, as one reader is optimistic about the new Resident Evil movie.

Games Inbox is a collection of our readers’ letters, comments, and opinions. To join in with the discussions yourself email gamecentral@metro.co.uk

Curious coincidence
So there’s an Ultimate Plus Edition of EA Sports FC 27 now, that’s even more expensive? And NBA 2K27 has something called an Ultra Edition that’s also more expensive? Well, that sure is an interesting coincidence, that two games from two completely different companies should come up with the same wallet-gouging idea in the same year, in franchises that have been going on for decades (bar a name change).

The games industry completely hates its customers, it’s been obvious for a long time now. All they want is more money for less and for us to never speak up or complain. Seems to me this is another situation where we can make a difference though.

Either no one buys it and it never happens again, like NFTs and online passes, or people do buy it and we get a physical media situation where everyone realises they’ve helped to encourage something they hate. We’ll see which it is I guess, but I’m sure not buying it.
Grant

How things work
So another Halo game is a flawed product. An open goal that Microsoft has, as usual, missed. I mean how do you remake a 25-year-old game and still manage to have slowdown in it? It’s ridiculous, insulting even. I look forward to them pretending the problem doesn’t exist, then pretending it’s not as bad as people say (even though I’ve already seen the videos), and then taking far too long to fix it. Anyone that’s played Halo: The Master Chief Collection will know that’s just how things work at Xbox.

At this point I don’t really care what comes next. Probably just more remakes because all the rumours seem to say they don’t know what to do with the series. Not that you need any insider sources to realise that.

My prediction is that there’s not going to be any quick end to Xbox. They’ll keep plugging away, never getting anything right, and it’ll just get more and more embarrassing. There was a time to bow out of gaming gracefully and they’ve missed it by a long shot.
Spender

Media envy
Interesting proof that GTA 6 is not the unstoppable juggernaut that we think of. It’s bigger than most films, but the very biggest ones… at the end of the day it’s only a video game. I don’t think this matters but maybe it explains why developers, including Rockstar, always have a chip on their shoulder about being more ‘cinematic’, because they’re all frustrated movie directors and secretly think it’s a more important thing than games.

I’d much rather play a good game than watch a good movie but to me they’re very different things. I don’t want my games to keep trying to turn into a movie and I certainly don’t want my movies to start acting like a video game. Unfortunately, you don’t always get what you want in life though.
Mentalist

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Mood piece
Just seen the new trailer for the Resident Evil movie and while it doesn’t show much that wasn’t in the first one, I do think it’s going to be a good movie. It’s a completely different approach to other video game movies in that it’s just taking the tone and detail from the game and making it its own thing.

The first Resident Evil film and the newer one both had similar settings and even some of the same characters as the games but they didn’t feel anything like them, they weren’t scary and they were just dumb without being funny-cheesy dumb.

This movie is different because all the details are right on: the typewriter, finding the bullets for the empty shotgun, searching through drawers… it feels like Resident Evil without trying to copy the game. Because really, the game story makes no sense. Why does a city have this weird military-like division in an ordinary police station? What was Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine doing before the zombies arrived? Giving out parking tickets?

The genius of a film like this is you can still say all that is going on someplace else, it’s just this story is focused on some ordinary guy just trying to get through it. I think it’s going to be great.
Zeiss

Non-acquired taste
I never finished Shenmue, either because I didn’t like it or because my Dreamcast bought from GAME broke and I dumped it. I played it for maybe five hours and couldn’t see the appeal of it. I’ve never thought back on it with any nostalgia. The only bit that was any good was the arcade games. Everything else was a chore.

On another note, is Sony losing money because they don’t/aren’t releasing their films on Blu-ray? Surely there are still hardcore movie buffs that want to collect these things? Or would this be a third party thing?
Bobwallett

GC: It’s only games they’ve said they’re not releasing on disc. Sony Pictures is quite separate to the PlayStation division.

Blame me
I am a complete hypocrite because I have complained and moaned about the physical disc situation, but I am going to buy the Halo remake anyway. What is worse, apart from being download-only (even with the disc), is that you need a Microsoft account to get the game to work as well.

This game is literally the worst of all situations with modern gaming, so I am part of the problem and why gaming is in the state it is in.

The Halo franchise is still my favourite so I will pick up anything Halo. I know the franchise has been butchered but this looks like the last hurrah considering no other games are in production, so I’ll take the hit and get it.
Simon

GC: As a word of warning the game is really obnoxious about linking your Microsoft account to your PlayStation one, insisting that once it’s linked it cannot be unlinked.

Non-stop complaining
I think it’s already pretty obvious that Sony has told no one to talk about the physical games issue but how long exactly are they going to keep it up? If I know anything about gamers it’s that they are willing to keep a joke, or grudge, going for basically forever.

They’re not going to stop filling the comments on social media ever. Why would they? It’s getting them lots of attention and Sony isn’t going to do anything to stop them. It’s just going to go on and on forever. Good on ‘em I say.
Cranston

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50 or less
Interesting last line to your summing up of the Halo: Campaign Evolved review (PS5 version reviewed). Genuine question; any idea what the frame rate is like on Xbox Series X? Or is this a general thing that happens on PlayStation 5? A few vids on YouTube showing the PlayStation 5 dropping frames when the going gets a bit tough, or locking the frame rate at 60, but dumbing down the resolution to 1800 or 1440. I never seem to have this problem on Xbox Series X.

Is that why the PS5 Pro exists, do you think? So that it can cope with the games that Series X is already coping perfectly well with. They couldn’t very well charge £500 for the Pro, otherwise they’d have had to drop the price of the ever so slightly underpowered, relative to Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5 to around £300. Might as well charge £700 and fleece their customers just a little bit more.

Recent sales of Xbox Series X are up in the US (price rise coming soon, though). A bit of advice to any Xbox newbies (come on, they must have sold at least 50 consoles in the UK during June/July) and who haven’t played any Halo games before. Get The Master Chief Collection but wait until it turns up in the sale. Five cracking remastered Halo games in there, and Halo 4, for about a tenner.
Paul C.

GC: We haven’t played the Xbox version, but the problem is clearly the game, not the console. As you say, the power difference between the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 is negligible; the only possible excuse is that the developer isn’t used to working on PlayStation hardware.

Inbox also-rans
Much like X/Twitter, does anyone really call the new EA football game EA FC?
Bobwallett

GC: What do you call it?

I see Ubisoft is all in favour of Sony’s all-digital future. Their excuse is that it means consoles don’t have to have a disc drive, therefore making them cheaper. Yep, that’s definitely worth £20 off a £1,000 PlayStation 6.
Corsair

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The small print
New Inbox updates appear every weekday morning, with special Hot Topic Inboxes at the weekend. Readers’ letters are used on merit and may be edited for length and content.

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MORE: Games Inbox: Is buying second-hand video games going to end?

MORE: Games Inbox: Which is better out of Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3?

MORE: Games Inbox: How important is the story in GTA 6?

This morning (Thursday, June 23), YouTube announced the launch of its Shopping Affiliate Programme that promises to connect retailers with content creators and their viewers.

It announced a handful of retailers are already on board and it plans to expand its network “over the coming months.”

YouTube claims viewers watch 110 million hours of shopping videos on their platform every day, with the UK seeing a 50% growth in watch time.

Creators will reportedly be able to add interactive stickers on videos so viewers can click through to buy the product from retailers on their programme.

AI will also detect products in videos and match them with where they’re for sale so customers can be directed to the retailer automatically.

The functionality will be available whether customers are watching YouTube on their TV, smartphone or laptop.

When creators tag products directly in their videos, it can lead to up to 50% more clicks than links in the description alone.

YouTube says the programme will “empower creators to earn, create and scale their communities more effectively than ever” and it’s available for those with at least 500 subscribers.

Alison Lomax, YouTube’s managing director in the UK, said: “We are delighted to bring YouTube Shopping to the UK.

“Our creators are at the heart of everything we do and this expansion provides them with a powerful way to diversify their earnings while engaging with brands and viewers alike.

“By bringing our Shopping Affiliate Programme to the UK, we are strengthening the connection between creators, their fans, and the brands they love, turning trusted recommendations into real growth for everyone.”

YouTube creator Tim Dessaint said: “It’s really exciting to see YouTube bringing shopping to the UK.

“My community asks me about the items I wear all the time, so this gives me a way to share my honest recommendations in a way that feels organic, not disruptive to the viewer’s experience.

“The product tools such as the interactive stickers and precise timestamps are well thought out, and they will make integrating products into my content incredibly seamless.

“This is a monetisation option that actually makes sense.

“It’s good for the creator and good for the people watching.”

Dan Finley, CEO of Debenhams Group, said: “The rise of content creators has fundamentally changed the way people shop.

“Customers are increasingly turning to creators they trust for product recommendations and they want to buy the moment inspiration strikes.

“Becoming one of YouTube Shopping’s launch partners reflects our ambition to stay at the forefront of digital-first retail and make it even easier for shoppers to discover and buy the brands they love.”

Sharry Crammond, marketing director at Marks and Spencer, said: “At M&S, we’re always looking for new ways to help customers discover products they’ll love.

“The partnership with YouTube gives us the fantastic opportunity to connect with even more customers through trusted voices and engaging content that makes shopping with M&S even more inspiring.”

Charlotte Lock, customer and marketing director at Boots, said:  “At Boots, we’re always looking for new ways to make shopping for health, wellness and beauty products more convenient for our customers.

“We know that more people are discovering products through the creators and communities they trust on social channels and are committed to meeting them wherever they choose to find inspiration.

“We’re excited to be working with YouTube and its fantastic creator community to help more customers discover the Boots products they love – in a way that feels seamless and relevant to their lives.”

Carey Pearson, Head of Brand & Integrated Marketing at Wayfair, said:  “We welcome the launch of YouTube Shopping’s affiliate programme in the UK.

“As a hugely trusted platform for creator content about products, YouTube plays a central role in how people discover, learn about, and engage with products and brands.

“The rise of creator-led commerce reflects changing consumer behaviour and we welcome initiatives like this that make product discovery more seamless, trusted and integrated within a viewing experience.”

Recommended reading:

Komal Koul, Head of Digital Performance at Currys, said: “At Currys our vision is to help everyone enjoy amazing technology.

“Consumers increasingly rely on content creators for credible product evaluations and recommendations during their purchase consideration phase.

“This YouTube Shopping integration positions Currys to engage audiences at critical decision-making moments and drive conversion through established, trusted voices.

“This initiative demonstrates Currys’ commitment to transforming how customers engage with technology-making discovery, understanding, and purchase simpler and more intuitive.”

Can you see yourself using the new YouTube Shopping feature? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Watts is not alone. A 2022 study from the University of Bath estimates that about 4.6% of people in the UK have climate anxiety, which is recognised as a form of mental distress by professional bodies and the NHS. Young people and women are among the groups most at risk, according to a study published in 2025.

“Anticipatory anxiety”, related to heatwaves in particular, has become more common, say psychologists Dr Caroline Hickman from the University of Bath and Dr Emma Lawrance from the University of Oxford.

“Once people have been through a traumatic event like a flood or a heatwave, they anticipate the next one,” Hickman, who offers therapy to individuals experiencing climate anxiety, told the BBC.

In the UK, “now we’re getting the repeat, repeat, repeat [heatwaves]. It triggers that sense that ‘I can’t be safe in the world, and the world can’t be trusted’,” she added.

In June’s heatwave, Hickman said she “had people saying they’re going to kill themselves, I’ve had people saying they’re going to terminate pregnancies, I’ve had people saying that they want to sell their houses and move somewhere cooler”.

Watts said that her video “clearly struck a chord with people” – including therapists posting comments about coping mechanisms – and that she wanted to help others deal with climate anxiety.

“It can go one of two ways. You can either just fall into doomism and think, ‘What is the point?’” she said.

“Or you can try to do something. I sign petitions during a heatwave; I organise climate community events; I run a free children’s clothes swap shop. During the last heatwave, I finally became vegetarian, because then I can tell my kids at least I tried.”

Charli XCX was supposed to be taking a break.

Her sixth album, Brat, was the sort of record you could genuinely call era-defining, without being accused of overstating its significance.

Experimental but accessible songs like Guess, Apple and 360 propelled the star to new heights of fame.

Her album was co-opted into Kamala Harris’s 2024 presidential campaign, and Collins English Dictionary updated its definition of Brat, to acknowledge its use as an adjective characterising the music’s “confident, independent, and hedonistic attitude”.

After a punishing year-long tour, the singer accepted a few acting roles, wrote the soundtrack to Emerald Fennel’s adaptation of Wuthering Heights and married her longterm partner George Daniel.

But instead of settling down, she found herself back in the studio.

“Out of the blue, inspiration struck me,” she says. “I suddenly felt like I had something to say, so I ran with it.”

In a matter of weeks, she dashed off 11 short, guitar-based songs that tried to make sense of her whirlwind two years.

The resulting album, titled Music, Fashion, Film, is smart, self-referential, funny, antagonistic and crammed full of moments to stimulate your inner earworm.

Significantly, deliberately, it’s not Brat 2.0.

“If I’d made another album that felt more dance-leaning, it would have felt really hard, really sad,” she told Vogue in the first interview for the album, external.

“To be boring is to die right there on the spot,” she added in a newsletter to fans, external. “Give up, give in, go home, stay home, end it all.”

As a result, there’s a lot to uncover in the music and lyrics. Here’s what we learned.

By ELEANOR MANN

Published: 18:27 BST, 23 July 2026 | Updated: 01:08 BST, 24 July 2026

A homeowner who set up a camera to catch the ‘militant vegans’ he suspected of stealing his milk discovered a surprise culprit. 

Gordon Campbell, 42, has been having milk delivered to his door since Covid. But around a month ago, his milk deliveries started going missing. 

The father-of-one thought the thefts were the result of a ‘militant vegan‘ going around and spilling milk in a display of activism – so he set up a camera at his home in Bearsden, Scotland in an attempt to catch the thief red-handed. 

But the sting operation caught an unexpected culprit – a cheeky fox. 

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Video footage showed a young fox cub walking up the steps to Mr Campbell’s home, then grabbing the bottle in its mouth and spilling it before running off.  

Mr Campbell paused his deliveries because of the repeated theft and went back to the supermarket for his milk supply. 

He said: ‘I didn’t really know exactly who would be doing it – I thought it was a person or an animal.

‘The magpies got the blame for a while, as they’re really smart birds, but I was thinking they probably wouldn’t have the strength to roll a bottle away.

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A homeowner set up a hidden camera and caught an unexpected culprit – a cheeky fox cub 

The fox cub was caught dashing across the lawn after spilling the milk over Mr Campbell’s doorstep 

Gordon Campbell (pictured) had to pause his milk deliveries and return to the supermarket following the spate of thefts 

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‘Sunday night I set up the camera, and I had a bottle of milk in the house and a spare glass bottle which I filled up with milk that I bought from the supermarket, and I put that as a sting.’

It took just hours for the thief to take the bait and show its face, just after 2.30am on Monday.

Mr Campbell, who works in digital advertising for his company Clickboost, said: ‘I just thought it was kind of hilarious that this wee, cute fox was popping up and taking it away. 

‘All was forgiven when I saw its big ears and its wee face.

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‘I may resume my milk delivery knowing who’s responsible, but I may put out a box or something for the milkman to put it in.’

Just months earlier, Mr Campbell’s pet cat, Bruce, had chased a fox away from his cat flap.

Video showed the moment the cat ran after the fox and chased it away through the family’s garden.

Mr Campbell said: ‘The fox essentially tried to get into the cat flap, and the cat came and chased it away.’

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“We are delighted that global crime fiction icon, David Baldacci, has been awarded the Theakston Old Peculier Outstanding Contribution Award in recognition of his stellar writing career, and we’re honoured that he has travelled to Harrogate to receive the award in person and take part in the festival.”

Catherine L’Estrange, 11, from London has become the first UK patient, and second in the world, to have a new gene therapy for a rare condition she was born with. Catherine was diagnosed bardet biedl syndrome (BBS) when she was just a baby. It is caused by mutations to one of 20 different genes and impacts around one in 100,000 births in the UK, leaving patients blind by their late teens or early 20s. It can also cause kidney problems, learning difficulties and obesity, and patients sometimes have extra fingers or toes. Surgeons performed keyhole surgery on her eye before injecting healthy copies of the mutated gene, known as BBS10. It is hoped the treatment, performed at St Helier Hospital in March, with help stabilise, or even improve, her vision.

The Moon in fun Sagittarius is in a stand off with reflective Uranus, which could create a complicated energy today. Stay calm and take the day as it comes.

Libra, Scorpio and Sagittarius, something intense is on the cards for you. This could be a long overdue revelation or change.

This planetary alignment could put ypu in a funk initially, but whatever you need will eventually come your way. Try to stay somewhat grounded and practice gratitude.

Ahead, you’ll find all star signs’ horoscopes for today: Friday July 24, 2026.

Like checking your horoscope every morning? You can now sign up to our free daily newsletter to get a personalised reading for your star sign delivered straight to your inbox.

To order your unique personal horoscope based on your time, date and place of birth, visit patrickarundell.com.

Aries

March 21 to April 20

The Moon in the upbeat and freedom-loving Sagittarius quickly goes face-to-face with Uranus. This could make you restless but equally give you a flash of brilliant inspiration to guide you. And with Venus and Mercury in a very positive alliance, you can discuss home or practical issues in a way which teases out some fresh approaches and solutions that really help.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aries

Taurus

April 21 to May 21

Your ruler, Venus, continues its journey through a creative but practical part of your chart. Her link to the speedy Mercury in Cancer is perfect to connect with people with shared interests, hobbies or creative strands. Home cooking could also call out, and a new recipe or approach could bring a slice of newness. If you enjoy writing, your ideas can really flow.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Taurus

Gemini

May 22 to June 21

The Moon in Sagittarius opposes your sign, and your new resident, Uranus, potentially stirs sudden shifts in conversation or thinking. You may feel supercharged but, look to pace yourself to avoid scattering your energies. With Mercury, now direct and linking to Venus, you have a great chance to discuss practical and emotional strands positively and productively.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Gemini

Cancer

June 22 to July 23

Today is perfect to put recent thoughts into words and clear what may have become stuck or tangled. And as Mercury and Venus align, the sparkle they bring can see help from friends or colleagues with shared plans or practical arrangements. That said, you might find yourself tempted by an item today, and if you are feeling the celestial uplift, decide to buy it in a flash.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Cancer

Leo

July 24 to August 23

Venus is not just the planet of romance. She also impacts our taste, fashion choices and even food choices. Venus can also attract goodness financially, and today’s link to the quicksilver Mercury in a sheltered area suggests an idea that’s been simmering in the background, or one you have carefully researched, can become a lot more attractive and could see you cash in.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Leo

Virgo

August 24 to September 23

Venus in your sign links harmoniously with Mercury, which can see you sparkle around friendships and group activities as communications flow, especially around shared goals and creative ideas. Yet as the Moon and Uranus clash, this could see something shift suddenly, but not necessarily negatively, with your flexibility helping to keep plans open and adaptable.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Virgo

Libra

September 24 to October 23

Professional aspirations may have felt bogged down through Mercury’s recent retrograde. Today, as Mercury links superbly to your ruler, Venus, a lot of what you have been doing discreetly behind the scenes can come back to you positively. All the confidential discussions, soundings or research you’ve done will shine brightly and be seen as astute and measured.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Libra

Scorpio

October 24 to November 22

Today’s Sagittarius Moon and its quick interaction with Uranus may encourage your spontaneous side. And with chatty Mercury in an expansive area, supported by the diplomatic Venus in Virgo, this combination can pique your interest in learning, travel or meaningful conversations, before then investing in something that brings a spark to bear. Go on, be daring.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Scorpio

Sagittarius

November 23 to December 21

With the Moon in your sign, emotions and reactions may be amplified. Her interaction with Uranus in Gemini could bring surprises in conversations or close connections. That’s perfect for you, because routine is anathema to many Archers, but where you can apply this may be with a business interest or at work, where you can strategise with meaning and a hopeful outcome.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Sagittarius

Capricorn

December 22 to January 21

One influence today can help create a crystal-clear connection, which can delight you. This can be particularly so with a friend or a group of associates, where you can pool skills which complement one another. Yet, in contrast, you might find yourself uncertain or a bit irritable. In sum, it’s best to work on those beneficial collaborations and steer clear of any draining ties.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Capricorn

Aquarius

January 22 to February 19

The day may be slightly erratic, as the Moon in Sagittarius brings busyness and movement, while Uranus introduces sudden shifts in plans or routines. This could impact what you intend to do over the weekend, so it may be best to keep things a little flexible. However, if you are keen to grapple with finances, your eye for detail can shrewdly tease out more value.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aquarius

Pisces

February 20 to March 20

Whatever your frame of mind, it’s likely to feel more obvious to others. However, if you are in a good space, the perfect alliance between the lovely Venus and the witty energies of Mercury can see you in an upbeat, even jolly or flirtatious, exchange. However, if you feel pressed with a worldly demands or expectations you may want to spin out and enjoy life.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Pisces

Your daily Metro.co.uk horoscope is here every morning, seven days a week (yes, including weekends!). To check your forecast, head to our dedicated horoscopes page.

Head here for this week’s tarot horoscope reading, and see what the cards have in store for you!

Check out the tarot horoscope reading for the month of July here.

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President Donald Trump has warned that any damage to cargo ships traversing the Strait of Hormuz will be paid for with seized ‘Iranian money.’ 

The commander-in-chief made the announcement on his Truth Social platform Thursday evening as tensions mount in the strait, through which one-fifth of the world’s oil supply traverses.

‘Please let this statement serve to represent, until further notice, that from this point forth, any and all damages done to Ships, Cargo, or anything related thereto, will be paid for by Iranian Money that the United States has in its possession, and controls,’ Trump posted.

‘These damages may be very substantial but, nevertheless, this is the fair and equitable thing to do.’

Control over the Strait of Hormuz had been a sticking point in the US’s negotiations with Iran, as the Islamic regime tries to retain control of the waterway.

It has repeatedly struck vessels trying to pass through the strait, and on Thursday, Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels said they attacked two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea.

Following the strikes, Trump said he was considering a ‘massive attack’ on Iran.

He had claimed leaders in Tehran wanted a deal but had not yet felt ‘enough pain’ to properly negotiate. He did not say when he would finalize his decision.

The commander-in-chief made the announcement on his Truth Social page

Trump also claimed that Israel would join the new strikes if he were to ask, though he insisted that its help was not needed.

Already, the Pentagon has flown a B-1 bomber over the region for the first time since the ceasefire collapsed and surged extra special operations forces into the area. 

A further 150 medics have also been sent to a military hospital in Germany that treats US troops wounded in the Middle East.

Meanwhile, Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said on X that Iran would harshly respond to any military action taken against it.

‘Our defense doctrine is clear: Eye for an eye,’ he wrote. ‘Any aggression against Iran, including our infrastructure, will compel a powerful and decisive response.’

Secretary of State Marco Rubio then shot back, telling reporters that US policy would be a ‘head for an eye’ when it comes to retaliating against Iranian action. ‘They will pay a very heavy price for the things they’re doing,’ Rubio added.

But as the war continued, the price of Brent crude oil, the international standard, spiked more than six percent, to about $100 a barrel. 

That is the highest level since May, before the two sides reached a preliminary peace agreement last month that has since collapsed.

Houthi rebels claimed on Thursday they struck two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea

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Previous Iranian attacks damaged an Iraqi vessel moving through the Strait of Hormuz in March

Trump has made repeated threats against the Iranian regime, but since the collapse of the memorandum of understanding, the US has been unable to restore traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. 

Iranian leaders have argued they have a right to manage traffic and potentially charge fees in the Strait of Hormuz, which was open to all and toll-free before the war.

They have since attacked ships using a route through the strait that is overseen by US forces and intended to be outside Tehran’s control.

As the hostilities now continue, Trump is facing pressure at home to wrap up the war as Republicans, facing crucial midterm elections in November, fear a bloodbath if gas prices remain elevated and push inflation higher.

Many Democrats have voiced opposition to the war since its inception. 

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth was grilled in a Senate committee hearing on Tuesday, where even a Republican senator rebuked him for not giving ‘straight answers’ to questions.

Hegseth testified that the cost of the war has already exceeded $37.5billion, and the White House is asking Congress for even more than that in emergency war funding.

The US has bombed Iranian radar and missile systems along the Strait of Hormuz for nearly two weeks after Trump’s ceasefire collapsed 

That request, however, comes after four US soldiers were killed over the weekend, bringing the death toll to 18 since the war’s beginning. 

Three died in an Iranian missile and drone attack on an air base in Jordan. One died after an attempted controlled detonation of an Iranian drone. 

More than 400 US troops have been wounded in the fighting.

Nearly half of voters, 49 percent, now say launching military action in Iran was the wrong thing to do, according to a Daily Mail/JL Partners poll of 1,021 registered voters taken between July 17 and 20.