For Trump and Hegseth, the Iran war is a game | Judith Levine

The Guardian US News
by Judith Levine
April 11, 2026
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2 min read

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President Trump and 'secretary of war' Pete Hegseth made controversial remarks about the Iran war and threats of genocide.

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Judith Levine critiques President Trump and "secretary of war" Pete Hegseth's perceived approach to the Iran war, describing their remarks as "head-spinning" amidst significant conflict. The excerpt highlights President Trump's threat of genocide, which it claims led Iran to the negotiating table. This perspective suggests that the administration views such threats as effective, despite the deaths of thousands of Iranians and 13 Americans, widespread destruction, and billions of dollars wasted by the US and Gulf nations. The article implies that Hegseth, referred to as the "secretary of war," supports this strategy.

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