Trump Reveals Pete Hegseth's Role in Discussing Iran Strategy

In a recent roundtable discussion, President Trump disclosed that Secretary of War Pete Hegseth was the first to suggest military action against Iran. Trump emphasized the urgency of addressing Iran's potential nuclear capabilities and praised Hegseth's proactive stance. He also announced a temporary delay in military strikes on Iranian energy sites while claiming productive talks with Iran. However, Iran has refuted Trump's claims, calling them 'fake news.' This article explores the implications of these developments in US-Iran relations.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 24, 2026, 16:29 IST

Trump Discusses Iran Strategy with Aides

Washington: During a recent event in Memphis, US President Donald Trump revealed that Secretary of War Pete Hegseth was the initial advisor to propose military action against Iran amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

At the Memphis Safe Task Force Roundtable, Trump recounted how he consulted with key aides, including Hegseth and Air Force General Dan Caine, to evaluate the situation in Iran prior to making any decisions.

"I reached out to Pete, General Caine, and several of our top officials. I said, 'We need to discuss the issue at hand. Iran has been a source of terror for 47 years and is nearing the capability to develop a nuclear weapon. We can either escalate our military presence or take decisive action to address this threat,'" Trump stated.

Facing criticism domestically regarding his stance, Trump commended Hegseth for his prompt advocacy for action.

"Pete, you were the first to advocate for a response, emphasizing that we cannot allow them to acquire nuclear capabilities," he remarked.

Earlier, Trump announced via social media that he had postponed the deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime route, and would delay military strikes on Iranian energy facilities for five days.

He also mentioned that there have been "productive discussions" between the US and Iran aimed at achieving a comprehensive resolution to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, although he did not provide specific details.

In response, Iran dismissed Trump's assertions, labeling them as "fake news."

"No negotiations have taken place with the US, and such misinformation is intended to manipulate financial and oil markets while diverting attention from the challenges faced by the US and Israel," they stated on social media.