Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth breaks his social media silence with a chilling promise to Iran’s terror regime: threaten Americans, and we will hunt you down and kill you.
Story Highlights
- Hegseth returns to X after reported absence, endorsing joint US-Israeli strikes that reportedly killed Iran’s supreme leader.
- President Trump confirms US role in Operation Genesis, demanding IRGC surrender and regime change in Iran.
- Israeli forces launch largest sortie ever, hitting 500 targets to neutralize Iran’s nuclear and missile threats.
- Iran retaliates with strikes on US bases in Persian Gulf, escalating conflict under Trump administration resolve.
Hegseth’s Hawkish Return to Social Media
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth posted on X following joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran. He stated the attack sends a clear message to enemies: if you kill or threaten Americans anywhere, we will hunt you down and kill you. This marks Hegseth’s first public comment after a reported social media absence. The strikes targeted Iran’s air defenses, missile launchers, and leadership in western and central regions. Americans weary of weak responses to Iranian proxies cheer this direct deterrence.
Joint Strikes Launch in Early Hours
Israel and the US initiated strikes codenamed Roaring Lion and Operation Genesis on February 28, 2026. Israeli Air Force deployed 200 fighter jets against 500 targets. President Trump released a video at 2:30 AM EST confirming US involvement and calling for IRGC surrender plus regime change. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu backed the action to eliminate Iran’s existential threat after 47 years of death threats and nuclear pursuits. This coordinated effort restores strength after years of hesitation.
Trump and Netanyahu Demand Regime Change
Trump announced major combat operations ongoing to eliminate the Iranian regime. Netanyahu stated the strikes open a path for Iranians to overthrow tyranny. Historical tensions fuel the response, from the 1979 hostage crisis to Iran’s support for Hamas and Hezbollah. The operation underscores US-Israel alliance dominance against asymmetric threats. Conservative values of protecting allies and countering terror find validation in this bold stand against globalist appeasement.
Israeli FM Gideon Sa’ar emphasized urgency to prevent Iran gaining nuclear and missile immunity. US officials confirm coordination. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi labeled strikes illegal, vowing retaliation through proxies and direct hits.
Iran Retaliates as Conflict Escalates
Iran struck US bases in the Persian Gulf following the initial assault. The Supreme National Security Council promises further response. US reports confirm the strikes killed Iran’s supreme leader, destabilizing the regime. Short-term risks include casualties for US and Israeli forces, while long-term aims target nuclear setbacks and proxy weakening. Gulf states like UAE condemn Iranian escalations, aligning with efforts to isolate the terror sponsor.
Oil markets face volatility from Gulf tensions, validating defense tech investments Hegseth championed. Social unrest may rise in Iran if leadership crumbles. Politically, this bolsters hawks prioritizing American safety over endless negotiations that empowered enemies under prior administrations.
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Hegseth Says Attack on Iran Sends Message to Enemies: ‘We Will Kill You’
