Depending on the effectiveness of Israeli strikes on missile sites, Iran’s ballistic capability may still be its most effective option for striking back.

Some experts told Breaking Defense the conflict would likely stay contained between Israel and Iran, but another warned that the only thing certain now is uncertainty.

The US said Israel acted "unilaterally," though President Donald Trump warned of more "brutal" Israeli attacks to come.

The secretary of defense also defended cuts to the E-7 Wedgetail, Constellation-class frigate, and Ukraine assistance funds during the congressional hearing.

The investment comes as among the first in a bid to reach an ambition of manufacturing one SSN every 18 months, which are set to be delivered from the end of the 2030s.