Also known as: Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth · Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth · Defence Secretary Hegseth · US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth
Pentagon chief accused by House Democrats of waging war on Iran without congressional approval and committing war crimes.
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The Namibian
US defence secretary Pete Hegseth said the ceasefire is not over
“At a briefing on Tuesday, US defence secretary Pete Hegseth was asked if US operations in the strait meant that the ceasefire was over. "No, the ceasefire is not over," he said.”
What is Trump’s ‘Project Freedom’ in the Strait of Hormuz?New Era
Pete Hegseth allegedly started the conflict with Iran without a declaration of war or specific statutory authorisation by Congress
“The first impeachment article alleged that Hegseth started the conflict with Iran "without a declaration of war or specific statutory authorisation by Congress," and "knowingly exposing members of the Armed Forces of the United States to substantial and foreseeable risk of injury or death."”
US Democrats file impeachment articles against HegsethThe Namibian
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth acknowledged was a 'potential tragedy' regarding the weekend rescue mission
“But the effort, while remarkable, was to avoid what Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth acknowledged was a "potential tragedy".”
Clock ticks on Trump's Iran ultimatum with little sign of breakthroughThe Namibian
Defense secretary Pete Hegseth signaled that deploying troops inside Iran had not been ruled out
“Defense secretary Pete Hegseth also signaled on Monday that deploying troops inside Iran had not been ruled out.”
Trump doesn't rule out sending US troops into IranThe Namibian
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth posted on X that US will continue to conduct maritime interdiction operations to dismantle illicit criminal networks
“Following the seizure of the second ship, defence secretary Pete Hegseth posted on X that the US will continue to "unflinchingly conduct maritime interdiction operations… to dismantle illicit criminal networks."”
US seizes second oil tanker off Venezuela's coastThe Namibian
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth stated the Department of War is preparing for action and will kill Islamic Terrorists if Nigerian Government does not protect Christians
“The Department of War is preparing for action. Either the Nigerian Government protects Christians, or we will kill the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities.”
Trump tells military to prepare for ‘action' against Islamist militants in NigeriaThe Namibian
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth is to be known as Secretary of War
“He will sign an executive order on Friday for the defence department to use the new name as a secondary title and for Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth to be known as Secretary of War.”
Trump to rebrand Pentagon as Department of WarThe Namibian
Pete Hegseth told senate committee Pentagon was prepared to execute any order from Trump
“Trump's defence secretary, Pete Hegseth, told a senate committee that the Pentagon was prepared to execute any order given by Trump.”
Trump approves Iran attack plan buthas not made final decision, reports sayUS ambassador Mike Waltz told Fox News that President Trump has paused attacks on Iran for a second consecutive night to give diplomacy more space, following nearly two weeks of daily strikes and tit-for-tat attacks. An Iranian army spokesperson said Tehran had halted "retaliatory" attacks in response, though Waltz said the president is keeping all options on the table.
27 July 2026 · The Namibian →
US ambassador Mike Waltz told Fox News that President Trump has paused attacks on Iran for a second consecutive night to give diplomacy more space, following nearly two weeks of daily strikes and tit-for-tat attacks. An Iranian army spokesperson said Tehran had halted "retaliatory" attacks in response, though Waltz said the president is keeping all options on the table.
27 July 2026 · The Namibian →
President Trump announced "Project Freedom" to assist ships stranded by Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz, but paused it two days later to pursue a potential agreement with Iran. The waterway has been blocked since US and Israeli airstrikes on 28 February, with Iran's military firing at US warships and the US sinking small boats, threatening an ongoing ceasefire.
6 May 2026 · The Namibian →
House Democrats led by Arizona Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari introduced six articles of impeachment against Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth on Wednesday, accusing him of waging war on Iran without congressional approval and committing war crimes including attacks on civilians and a girls' school in Minab, Iran. The impeachment has slim chances of passing due to the Republican majority in the House.
17 April 2026 · New Era →
US lawmakers are split over President Trump's ceasefire announcement regarding Iran, with some Democrats calling for his removal from office over his earlier threat to destroy Iranian civilization, while Republicans largely support the decision as a strong defense posture.
9 April 2026 · New Era →
President Trump has issued an explicit ultimatum demanding Iran reach an acceptable agreement by Tuesday 20:00 Washington time or face new strikes that would "decimate" bridges and power plants, though Iran has so far rejected the ceasefire and made "maximalist" counter-demands, leaving unclear whether negotiations are progressing behind closed doors.
7 April 2026 · The Namibian →
President Trump said on Monday he is not ruling out sending US troops into Iran while threatening escalated attacks. He told the New York Post and CNN that while ground troops may not be necessary, he would deploy them if required, and signaled a major assault is coming soon.
3 March 2026 · The Namibian →