The Corner

America’s Offensive Might Contrasts with Hegseth’s Defensive Crouch

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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth walks on the day of classified briefings for the Senate and House of Representatives on the situation in Iran, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., March 3, 2026.

Kylie Cooper/Reuters

So far, America and its allies are routing their Islamic Republic foes.

Anyone who avails themselves of the briefings provided this week by the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine, would conclude as much. With the dispassion and skill of an emergency room surgeon, the general itemized the destruction U.S. and Israeli forces are dealing out to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and security services from the air, and he previewed what’s to come.

Noah Rothman

About the Author

Noah Rothman

Noah Rothman is a senior writer at National Review. His third book, Blood and Progress: A Century of Left-Wing Violence, was published by Hachette in May 2026.

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