US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth Faces Growing Criticism Over Iran War Management

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is under increasing scrutiny from former military leaders and members of Congress as the United States continues air strikes against Iranian targets in the Gulf. A retired major general who served in the National Guard said the secretary "is a clear and present danger to the national security of the United States and the world" and accused him of harming national security more than any previous defense secretary. Republican Senator Thom Tillis called the management of the armed forces "inept" and urged the president to replace Hegseth.

Recent missile attacks near the Strait of Hormuz have resulted in civilian casualties, including a reported child death in Kuhestak, which Iranian officials have labeled a war crime. The U.S. has not formally taken responsibility, but the incidents are under military investigation. At the same time, Hegseth ordered extensions of U.S. deployments in the Middle East through next year, despite objections from several senior commanders who recorded formal non-concurs in a classified orders book.

Former army colonel Kevin Carroll, who served in the defense secretary’s office, said the strategy against Iran remains unclear, noting that attempts to target leadership, missile capabilities, and naval forces have not achieved decisive results. A senior fellow at the Atlantic Council described the extended deployments as part of a broader economic blockade, adding that the past six months of the campaign have not produced a clear outcome.

Within the Pentagon, the resignation of Army Secretary Dan Driscoll highlighted internal tensions. Driscoll cited concerns over blocked promotions and the removal of senior officers, including seven officers denied two-star ranks, which he said threatened Army transformation and readiness. Critics also pointed to a pattern of personnel actions that disproportionately affected officers of color and women, aligning with Hegseth’s public opposition to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

Analysts compared Hegseth’s tenure to previous defense secretaries who faced criticism during major conflicts. While some experts argue the military retains sufficient leadership depth to absorb recent personnel changes, they warn that the loss of experienced officers could impair long-term readiness.

The controversy comes as Hegseth has reportedly considered a future presidential bid, and as the United States remains engaged in a broader trade dispute with Canada. No formal Pentagon briefing on the Iran operations has been held since early May.