The Politically Incorrect War: Hegseth Leads Trump's Charge Against Iran

Pete Hegseth, the former Fox News host now leading the Pentagon, has reframed the massive US-Israeli military operation in Iran as an act of resistance against political correctness - the first regime-change war of the MAGA era.

In a combative press conference at the Pentagon on Monday, Hegseth brought his anti-PC ethos to defend exactly what Donald Trump has said he did not want: to embroil the US in a major intervention in the Middle East with no clear timeline for exit.

Hegseth's rhetoric signals a dramatic shift from Trump's previous promises to avoid new wars and bring troops home. The Pentagon chief's politically incorrect approach sets the tone for an Iran operation that could become the first major regime change war of the Trump administration.

The operation in Iran comes after months of escalating tensions, including Iranian attacks on US allies and assets in the region. However, the goals of the military campaign remain murky, with Hegseth dodging questions about the endgame.

Critics warn that the politically charged framing of the conflict could lead to a protracted and ill-defined war, reminiscent of the Iraq invasion. They argue that Hegseth's combative style and MAGA-aligned ideology are ill-suited for the delicate diplomacy required to navigate the Iran crisis.

Despite Trump's past hesitance, the president now appears to be embracing the Iran operation, perhaps lured by the prospect of a quick victory and a political boost heading into the 2028 election. However, the risks of a drawn-out conflict remain high, with the potential for a regional conflagration that could consume Trump's second term.

As the US and its allies prepare for a sustained military campaign, the politically incorrect tone set by Hegseth will likely shape the rhetoric and strategy of the operation, for better or worse.