By SCM Staff Writer
THE American defense chief has declared that the “decisive” moment in the war with Iran has arrived, claiming the Ayatollah’s military is falling apart from the inside.
In a bold message that mixed fire, brimstone, and high-stakes diplomacy, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth revealed that American strikes have sparked mass desertions and a total collapse in morale across Iranian ranks.
The Pentagon boss didn’t hold back, taking a direct swipe at a “new regime” in Tehran while issuing a chilling “get involved or get left behind” warning to Britain and other global partners.
The Prayer and the Pope
Standing firm in his faith, Hegseth offered a public prayer for his troops, saying: “May God watch over them. May His almighty arms stretch over them and bring them peace. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.”
The defiant blessing set the stage for a holy row with the Vatican. Just 48 hours earlier, Pope Leo sent shockwaves through the West by claiming Jesus “does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war.”
But Hegseth seems more focused on the battlefield than the pulpit. He warned: “Upcoming days will be decisive. Iran knows that, and there’s almost nothing they can militarily do about it.”
According to the Defense Secretary, the U.S. air campaign—dubbed Operation Epic Fury—is working better than expected. He claimed:
Desertions: Iranian soldiers are ditching their posts in droves.
Personnel Shortages: Key units are now “functionally defeated.”
Top-Brass Fury: Senior Iranian leaders are reportedly “frustrated” and turning on each other as their infrastructure is reduced to rubble.
The ultimate goal? Reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The vital oil choke point has been a flashpoint for weeks, but Hegseth says the U.S. is ready to force it open for good.
”The world ought to pay attention and be prepared to stand up,” he warned, noting that while the U.S. uses the waterway less than most, it won’t be bullied. In a pointed message to allies like the UK, he added: “It’s not just our problem set going forward.”
Despite the tough talk, Hegseth hinted that a “deal” is on the table for whatever is left of the Iranian leadership. “This ‘new regime’ is in a better place if they make that deal,” he said, confirming that high-level talks are “very real and ongoing.”
Operation Epic Fury: Launched in February 2026, the joint U.S.-Israeli campaign has targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities, missile sites, and naval assets.
The Power Vacuum: Following the reported death of the Supreme Leader in initial strikes, a “new regime” of IRGC officials and politicians is reportedly scrambling to maintain control.
The Holy Row: The clash between Hegseth’s evangelical “Christian Nationalist” rhetoric and Pope Leo’s “King of Peace” stance has divided opinion across the U.S. and Europe.
The Global Cost: With the Strait of Hormuz contested, global oil prices have seen record volatility, putting pressure on Western leaders to back the U.S. military push to clear the shipping lanes.
