Crazy Islamist regimes like Iran can’t have nuclear weapons: US Defense Chief

WASHINGTON — The United States Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, has sparked controversy after remarks about Iran and Islam during a press conference defending recent U.S. military operations against Tehran.

Speaking to reporters, Hegseth said that “crazy regimes like Iran, hell-bent on prophetic Islamist delusions, cannot have nuclear weapons,” adding that preventing such governments from obtaining nuclear arms is “common sense.”

The statement was delivered while he outlined the administration’s justification for a large-scale U.S. military campaign against Iran, launched days earlier alongside Israel as part of an operation aimed at weakening Tehran’s missile and nuclear capabilities.

According to the Pentagon briefing, the operation was ordered by President Donald Trump after years of tensions and accusations that Iran had threatened U.S. interests through regional proxy forces. Hegseth said Washington had drawn a “clear line,” insisting the United States would not allow Iran to develop nuclear weapons.

However, his reference to “prophetic Islamist delusions” quickly drew criticism online and among some commentators, who argued that the phrasing appeared to link the conflict with religious beliefs and could be interpreted as offensive toward Islam. Critics said such language risks inflaming religious tensions at a time when the Middle East conflict is already escalating.

The comments came as fighting between U.S., Israeli, and Iranian forces intensified, with casualties reported on multiple sides and global concern growing about the possibility of a broader regional war.

Meanwhile, Russia and several international figures warned that continued military action could destabilize the region further and potentially push more countries toward seeking nuclear weapons as a deterrent.

The White House has defended the administration’s approach, arguing that the primary objective is to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear capability and to protect U.S. troops and allies in the region.

The remarks by the defense secretary remain a focal point of debate as the conflict and diplomatic tensions continue to unfold.