Hegseth Insists U.S. ‘Didn’t Start War’ Even As Pentagon Briefers Appear To Say Otherwise

Pentagon officers acknowledged that Iran was not planning an assault in opposition to U.S. forces within the lead-up to the U.S.-Israel “preemptive” strike that decapitated Iranian management and plunged the Center East into warfare.

Additionally, U.S. Central Command confirmed {that a} fourth U.S. serviceman has been killed throughout the ongoing hostilities.

The U.S. and Israel started hitting targets all through Iran this weekend. Trump has cited a myriad of causes for the assault, together with Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile program. CNN reported that among the many administration’s justification for motion was that Iran deliberate to launch missiles in opposition to U.S. bases within the area.

During a press briefing Monday morning, Secretary of Warfare Pete Hegseth claimed, “We did not begin this warfare, however beneath President Trump, we’re ending it.”

Nevertheless, CNN reported that Pentagon briefers have advised congressional workers members that no such assault was imminent. The briefers did level to Iran’s ballistic missile program and proxy forces within the area, resembling Hezbollah, however these weren’t new improvement and didn’t represent an imminent menace.

The justification issues as a result of critics have stated Trump overstepped his energy in launching a warfare in opposition to Iran. Below the U.S. Structure, solely Congress can declare warfare, and prior to now, presidents have at the least sought some kind of authorization from Congress. For instance, earlier than President George W. Bush launched the warfare in opposition to Iraq, Congress accepted a decision authorizing motion in 2002.

In the meantime, as of seven:30 a.m. EST, 4 U.S. service member have died.

“The fourth service member, who was critically wounded throughout Iran’s preliminary assaults, finally succumbed to their accidents. Main fight operations proceed and our response effort is ongoing. The identities of the fallen are being withheld till 24 hours after subsequent of kin notification,” U.S. Central Command posted on X.