Hegseth: 'Iran is devastated' and 'at its weakest' — President has upper hand on any path
Qatari proposal could ease tensions as US monitors Iran's next move
US War Secretary Pete Hegseth said late on Monday (Nov. 9) that Iran has been badly weakened and that President Donald Trump holds the advantage whether he chooses diplomacy or military action.
“Iran is devastated — Iran is in the weakest position that it’s been in a very, very long time. The president has the upper hand on any path that he chooses to take,” Hegseth said.
He made the remarks to US media covering defence when asked what needs to happen for the war to officially conclude, adding that Trump could also say the US is done but will watch Iran’s nuclear material.
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He told reporters the Pentagon is ready for whatever Trump orders.
The comments came the day Trump met Qatar’s prime minister at the White House.
Trump said he was “not looking to” intensify the war after the midterms, and regional mediators have circulated a proposal that could reopen the Strait of Hormuz "within two days", with the US lifting its blockade and releasing some frozen funds while Iran invites nuclear inspectors.
Hegseth also backed Trump’s decision to go to war, saying that if the president says he would do it again, he agrees.
Meanwhile, Republican Congressman Thomas Massie filed eight articles of impeachment against Hegseth Monday over the war.
Hegseth expressed confidence he has enough Republican support to defeat the effort.
What’s next
Watch whether Trump accepts the Qatari-brokered framework, Iran’s response, and the House impeachment vote.
Democrats also want to restrict Iran war funding, which could set up a clash when government funding expires Dec. 11, 2026.
