US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth could become the first major political figure to suffer consequences from US attacks on Iran. Some analysts believe political leaders may place responsibility for the conflict on him if the war escalates.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth/Pete Hegseth on Facebook
A possible shield for Trump
The British newspaper The Telegraph writes that Hegseth’s communication style differs sharply from the calm tone used by US military commanders. Some observers believe the White House may use the defense secretary to deflect attention from US President Donald Trump.
Several of Hegseth’s recent media appearances look unusual for him. One example involved his interview on the television program 60 Minutes on CBS.
“He hates shows like that. He would only have gone out there if Trump said, ‘Hey, can you go on 60 Minutes?’,” a source cited by The Telegraph said.
Some analysts think Trump encourages the defense secretary to sound alarmist. In an interview a week ago, Hegseth said the war was only beginning. A few hours later Trump said the conflict was almost over and claimed Iranian armed forces had been largely destroyed.
“It’s very possible that President Trump is setting him up. He was put out to do that interview, and then if they wanted him to say that things are winding down, they would have told him to do that,” a former White House official said.
Contrast with military commanders
During briefings and public appearances, US generals usually speak in a calm and technical manner. They focus on military operations, battlefield developments, and security issues.
Hegseth’s public statements often sound more emotional and political. According to The Telegraph, this raises questions about whether he can handle issues that require greater diplomatic sensitivity. Such differences in communication style can influence how US allies interpret American policy during wartime.
Escalation of the war and the Pentagon’s position
Criticism of Hegseth has grown as fighting between the US and Iran intensifies. Iranian forces continue to launch drones and missiles at targets in the region in response to US and Israeli strikes. The conflict has already caused deaths and injuries. Washington also continues to increase its military presence in the Middle East. Analysts warn that the confrontation could escalate further.
According to Hegseth, Washington acts in response to threats from Iran. The defense secretary says US operations aim to prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons. The United States also wants to destroy Iran’s missile capabilities.
Possible political consequences
Analysts say the war with Iran could bring serious political consequences for the US administration. Pressure on American leaders may increase if the conflict drags on or causes heavy losses. In such a scenario, political leaders could make the defense secretary responsible for controversial decisions or communication failures.
The Telegraph notes that similar situations have occurred before in US politics. Defense secretaries have sometimes paid the political price for wars in the Middle East. For example, President George W. Bush replaced Donald Rumsfeld after difficult midterm elections in 2006.
Earlier, The Ukrainian Review reported that Iran attacked an air base in Saudi Arabia. A missile strike damaged five US Air Force refueling aircraft.