Hegseth: Iran at its weakest, giving Trump upper hand on diplomacy or military action

US War Secretary Pete Hegseth said Monday that Iran is "devastated" and at its weakest point in years, giving President Donald Trump the upper hand in choosing between diplomacy or military action regarding the conflict. Hegseth stated the Pentagon is prepared for any order Trump gives, and he backed the president's decision to go to war. His comments came as Trump met Qatar's prime minister, with regional mediators proposing a framework to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, lift the US blockade, and allow Iranian nuclear inspections. Republican Congressman Thomas Massie filed eight articles of impeachment against Hegseth over the war, though Hegseth expressed confidence in defeating the effort. Trump defended Hegseth, citing low US casualties compared to past conflicts, while Democrats seek to restrict war funding ahead of a December 11 government funding deadline.