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WASHINGTON / THE PENTAGON — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth delivered a chilling assessment of the current diplomatic efforts with Iran on Thursday, March 26, 2026, stating that while the United States “welcomes and prays” for a deal, the primary mode of communication remains military force. Speaking alongside President Trump in the Oval Office, Hegseth described the Pentagon’s role as the kinetic enforcer of American diplomacy.
“We negotiate with bombs,” Hegseth stated bluntly. “You have a choice, as we loiter over the top of Tehran… about your future.”
The “Theology of Violence” at the Pentagon
Hegseth’s comments followed a controversial Wednesday prayer service at the Pentagon, where he reportedly prayed for “overwhelming violence of action” against the Iranian regime.
- The Prayer: “Let every round find its mark against the enemies of righteousness and our great nation,” Hegseth said during the service. He called for “unbreakable unity” and “no mercy” for those he labeled “religious fanatics seeking a nuclear Armageddon.”
- “Untying Hands”: Hegseth praised President Trump for “untying the hands” of U.S. warfighters, allowing them to destroy the enemy “as viciously as possible from moment one.”
- Strategic Loitering: The Secretary emphasized that U.S. and Israeli air power now maintains “uncontested” control over Iranian skies, with B-2 and B-52 bombers loitering over Tehran as a physical reminder of the cost of refusing the U.S. 15-point proposal.
“Negotiating with Yourselves”
Tehran has reacted with mockery to Hegseth’s rhetoric and the broader U.S. diplomatic push. Lt. Col. Ebrahim Zolfaghari, a spokesperson for the Iranian military, released a video today ridiculing the American stance.
| U.S. Stance (Hegseth/Trump) | Iranian Response (Zolfaghari) |
| “They are begging for a deal.” | “The Americans are only negotiating with themselves.” |
| “Operation Epic Fury is winning.” | “Your strategic power has turned into a strategic failure.” |
| “We negotiate with bombs.” | “Don’t dress up your defeat as an agreement.” |
The $200 Billion “Killing” Budget
Hegseth also addressed reports that the Pentagon is seeking an additional $200 billion in emergency funding to sustain the conflict into its second month.
- Funding “Bad Guys”: “As far as $200 billion, I think that number could move. Obviously, it takes money to kill bad guys,” Hegseth told reporters.
- No Deadline: Despite President Trump’s “4 to 6 week” projection, Hegseth declined to set a definitive timeframe, stating that the war would end “at the President’s choosing” once all military objectives are achieved.
- High-Intensity Surge: Hegseth warned that today would see the “largest strike package yet,” promising “death and destruction from above” as the Friday sunrise deadline (March 27) approaches.
What’s Next?
As the Sun sets on Thursday, the Pentagon’s “negotiation” is entering its most dangerous phase. With the 82nd Airborne preparing for a potential drop on Kharg Island at dawn, Hegseth’s “bombs” may soon be supplemented by “boots” if the 15-point proposal remains unsigned.
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