Pete Hegseth dismisses Pope Leo XIV’s war criticism, defends US military action on Iran
Pete Hegseth, Defense Secretary, defended US military operations against Iran, dismissing criticism from Pope Leo XIV, who called for peace and opposed the conflict. Hegseth stated that operations are carried out under presidential orders and legal review, with 34 Iranian ships turned around since the enforcement of a US naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended ongoing US military operations against Iran on April 24, dismissing criticism from Pope Leo XIV. Hegseth stated that operations are carried out under presidential orders and legal review. He noted that 34 Iranian ships had been turned around since the enforcement of a US naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. The blockade has been enforced without hesitation or apology, according to Hegseth. Pope Leo XIV had reiterated his opposition to the conflict, stating that 'God does not bless any conflict.' European leaders, including Federica Mogherini, have echoed the pope's concerns, questioning the effectiveness of military solutions.
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