Pete Hegseth

Iran using ceasefire as opportunity to dig out buried missiles, launchers - report

According to multiple sources, the US believes that Iran intends to rebuild its missile capabilities in preparation for the resumption of war if negotiations fall through. 

A fragment of an Iranian ballistic missile intercepted by Israeli air defense systems is seen lodged in the ground in the Golan Heights, March 19, 2026
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on US President Donald Trump's FY2027 budget request for the Department of Defense on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, US, April 30, 2026.

Hegseth decries spread of 'falsehoods' regarding security of Kuwaiti base during Iran war

The world’s largest aircraft carrier, Ford-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) arrives at the NATO Marathi Pier Complex in Souda Bay, Crete, Greece, during a scheduled port visit on Feb. 23, 2026.

Aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford to return to US after 309 days of deployment - Washington Post

The Pentagon is seen from the air in Washington, DC, US, March 3, 2022.

Pentagon Iran war cost estimates may exclude billions added from damaged US assets - CNN


Pentagon's Hegseth defends Iran war against Congress, says not a quagmire

"Don't say: 'I support the troops' on one hand, and then a two-month mission is a quagmire," Hegseth told the congressman during his address.

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth holds a briefing on the Iran war, amid a ceasefire between the US and Iran, at the Pentagon in Washington, DC, US, April 24, 2026.

Pentagon faces scrutiny over lack of details on Minab girls' school strike in Iran

The strike took place on February 28, at the beginning of Operation Epic Fury. A missile hit a primary school, killing 168 people, including around 110 children, according to Iranian officials.

FILE PHOTO: People and rescue forces work following an Israel strike on a school in Minab, Iran, February 28, 2026.

Pentagon may be understating severity of US missile stockpile shortage - report

The Atlantic reported that Vice President Vance has discussed the issue with Trump, noting that a weapons shortage would be extremely detrimental to American interests.

Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116) fires a Tomahawk land attack missile in support of Operation Epic Fury, on March 1, 2026 at Sea.

Trump administration officials are quoting the Bible, is it good for the Jews? - opinion

“President Trump has a complicated relationship with the Bible,” The New York Times said of Trump's likely participation in a marathon reading of scripture to take place in Washington, D.C.

President Donald Trump delivers remarks at the National Prayer Breakfast, Feb. 5, 2026, at the Washington Hilton in Washington, D.C.

Hundreds of Google employees urge CEO not to sign deal with Pentagon in open letter

The letter stated that the signatories feel their “proximity to this technology creates a responsibility to highlight and prevent its most unethical and dangerous uses.”

Google Gemini

Iran continuing to lay mines in Strait of Hormuz, US official says

In response to Iran placing mines around the Strait, which experts believe are fewer than 100, US President Donald Trump ordered the Navy to "shoot and kill any boat" suspected of doing so.

Drone view of oil tanker HELGA berthed at one of Iraq's southern offshore oil terminals near Basra as it prepares to load crude oil, becoming the second vessel to arrive since the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, April 24, 2026

Pentagon chief Hegseth says US blockade on Iran 'going global'

Hegseth added that Tehran had a chance to make a "good deal" with Washington.

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth holds a briefing on the Iran war, amid a ceasefire between the US and Iran, at the Pentagon in Washington, DC, US, April 24, 2026.

US Navy Secretary John Phelan fired amid Pentagon shakeup

The Pentagon announced his departure in a brief statement, saying he was leaving the administration "effective immediately." But it did not provide a reason or say whether it was his decision to go.

John Phelan, United States Secretary of the Navy, looks on before the game between the Washington Commanders and the Chicago Bears at Northwest Stadium on October 13, 2025 in Landover Maryland.

Senator Lindsey Graham speaks to Trump, Hegseth on 'way forward' in Iran conflict

The South Carolina Republican described the discussion's focus as "the way forward regarding the Iran conflict," while also warning countries against assisting Iran's oil distribution efforts.

US Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), the Chairman of the Senate Budget Commission speaks during a Senate Committee on the Budget hearing to examine the President's fiscal year 2027 budget proposal in Capitol Hill on April 16, 2026 in Washington, DC.

Pete Hegseth compares media to Pharisees, ancient Jewish sect derided by Christians

Hegseth's comments follow a similar incident in 2019, when then-Indiana mayor Pete Buttigieg compared Mike Pence to the Pharisees.

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth speaks during a press briefing at the Pentagon in Washington, DC, on April 16, 2026.