President Donald Trump publicly commended Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for recent military actions against Iran, stating the U.S. had "knocked the hell out of them." These remarks came as the Pentagon began extending troop deployments in the Middle East, a move that suggests the ongoing conflict could persist into 2027.
During a speech in the White House Rose Garden on Wednesday, Trump praised Hegseth's handling of recent strikes, which included approximately a dozen attacks on Iranian radar systems and military assets along the Strait of Hormuz. According to Iranian media, one U.S. missile struck a wedding party, resulting in at least four civilian casualties, including two women and two children.
Trump asserted that the U.S. was "winning that one very big," noting that Iran's military capabilities, including aircraft and ships, have been significantly degraded. "They're all at the bottom of the sea or at the bottom of a runway," he stated.
The extension of troop deployments, requested by Hegseth and reported by The Wall Street Journal, would maintain 50,000 soldiers in the region to support missions like missile interception and the protection of commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. This strategy reportedly offers President Trump options for future actions concerning Iran but may also place additional strain on American service members and their families.
The military's plan to extend deployments comes amid scrutiny of Hegseth's leadership, particularly following the departure of Army Secretary Dan Driscoll. Senator Thom Tillis has criticized Hegseth, calling his management "inept" and accusing him of prioritizing "culture wars" over national defense. Tillis urged Trump to appoint a new Pentagon leader who would "retain and empower our military talent."
Driscoll, who resigned after 18 months, reportedly clashed with Hegseth on several issues, including the blockage of Army officer promotions and the dismissal of Driscoll's allies. The Washington Post reported that Trump had encouraged Driscoll to remain in his post at least through the midterm elections.
Meanwhile, the conflict with Iran continues. Following weekend strikes on U.S. bases in Jordan by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the U.S. conducted retaliatory strikes. Trump warned Iran against further retaliation, vowing a significantly harsher response if Iran responded to the "very justified attack."
Iran's state media reported strikes on Qeshm Island and explosions in the port cities of Bandar Abbas and Chabahar. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility for a ballistic missile strike on Camp Titin, a U.S. Marine base in Jordan, though this was not immediately confirmed by the Pentagon.
The current escalation follows the collapse of a 14-point ceasefire agreement mediated by Pakistan in June. The agreement allowed 60 days for negotiations, but fighting resumed within weeks, and no new ceasefire has been established. Trump has stated that no further ceasefires are planned, demanding Iran dismantle its nuclear program. Iran, in turn, has refused concessions unless the U.S. lifts its naval blockade and allows Iran control of the Strait of Hormuz.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated the U.S. would continue to "economically asphyxiate this regime" until it agrees to a deal. Trump has vowed to launch a new "economic D-Day" on Iran if it does not agree to dismantle its nuclear program.
The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier recently docked in Pattaya, Thailand, following an extended deployment of over 250 days, offering its 5,000 sailors and Marines a period of rest before returning to the United States. Sources suggest that Hegseth's strategy provides Trump with strategic flexibility but also contributes to the prolonged strain on military personnel.