Defense Secretary Hegseth Refuses to Rule Out Ground Troops in Iran
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth did not dismiss the possibility of deploying American ground troops in Iran when questioned about the ongoing joint military operation between the United States and Israel. Speaking at a Tuesday press briefing, Hegseth appeared guarded on whether President Donald Trump might order "boots on the ground" in Iran, but stressed that "the upcoming days will be decisive" regarding the conflict.
"We're Not Going to Foreclose Any Option"
Hegseth emphasized maintaining strategic ambiguity, stating, "You can't fight and win a war if you tell your adversary what you are willing to do or what you are not willing to do, to include boots on the ground." He explained that adversaries currently believe there are multiple potential approaches for U.S. ground deployment, adding, "And guess what? There are."
The Defense Secretary clarified that if necessary, the military could execute those options on behalf of the president and the Department of Defense. However, he noted alternatives might prevail, saying, "Or maybe we don't have to use them at all. Maybe negotiations work, or maybe there's a different approach."
Response to Questions About Trump's Base
Hegseth's comments came in response to questioning from Daily Wire White House correspondent Mary Margaret Olohan, who asked about President Trump's messaging to supporters who have reservations about potential U.S. ground troops in Iran. The Defense Secretary expressed confusion about why Trump's MAGA base "wouldn't have faith in his ability to execute on this," pointing to the president's track record of pursuing "peace through strength, America First outcomes."
Public Opinion and Military Casualties
Recent polling data reveals significant public skepticism about military involvement in Iran. A survey published last week by The Associated Press and the NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found only 12% of respondents strongly or somewhat favored deploying U.S. troops on the ground to fight Iran. Public opinion remains sharply divided along partisan lines regarding Operation Epic Fury, the U.S. military operation in Iran.
To date, at least 13 U.S. service members have been killed in Iran's counterattacks, adding to the complexity of the situation.
Criticism from Fox News Host
Fox News host Johnny "Joey" Jones, who previously worked with Hegseth, urged both Trump and the Defense Secretary to withdraw from Iran quickly. On Fox's "Big Weekend Show," Jones pointed to limited American tolerance for foreign conflicts, stating, "If you send our men and women into that country to kill our bad guys, to spill their blood because they deserve it, I don't have to agree with you on it."
He continued with specific advice: "Just please do this: Don't nation-build. Don't win hearts and minds. Don't spread democracy. Spill the blood of the evil that deserve to die without our hands tied and without a PR campaign and get the hell out of there. That's all we have tolerance for."
The situation remains fluid as military and diplomatic options continue to be evaluated by the administration, with Hegseth's comments highlighting the ongoing strategic calculations surrounding potential ground troop deployment in Iran.
