Watch live: Hegseth, Caine speak as Iran conflict heats up
Quick Insights
The Bottom Line
Top military officials briefed reporters on escalating Iran conflict while Iran signals limited openness to negotiations.
How This Affects You
Ongoing military conflict with Iran could affect fuel prices, insurance costs, and potential military deployment risks for U.S. service members.
AI Summary
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chair Gen. Dan Caine are scheduled to brief reporters Tuesday morning amid escalating tensions with Iran. The briefing comes as the Trump administration pursues military action against Iran despite claims by Iranian officials that they are not engaged in negotiations with Washington. The conflict has intensified even as Tehran has signaled some willingness to discuss terms, creating a disconnect between stated diplomatic efforts and military escalation. The public appearance by top military leadership signals the Pentagon's effort to communicate its position on the Iran situation directly to the media. The briefing will likely address the current state of military operations and any developments in the standoff between the two countries.
What's Being Done
Defense Secretary Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chair Caine held a public briefing to communicate Pentagon's position on the Iran situation.
Source Coverage Map
23 of 43 tracked sources covered this story
Following this story?
Get notified when new coverage appears
Other Sources Covering This Story
5 sourcesMultiple outlets have reported on this story. Compare perspectives from different sources.
The US may send thousands of troops to Iran. Have we learned nothing from the past? | Moustafa Bayoumi
Live updates: Hegseth, Trump push US allies to help reopen Strait of Hormuz as gas prices hit $4
Trump is flailing in Iran. Every word he says adds to the muddle | Ted Widmer
This article is part of a story we're tracking:
Should this be getting more attention?
You Might Have Missed
Related stories from different sources and perspectives
National SecurityOne month into Iran war, some Trump objectives are unfulfilled as he looks to wind down the conflict - AP News
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMilgFBVV95cUxQNDhWWHl5dy1sZ0RMWjlsam9BMHQwaDhJaHRmRUE0blotRlRUbGxDcTM2QjBrdlIwRjRlWEpmaVBCQ1NXbGlHQm4zZDRiQUlpS3NyYVRXajdQUmNfYms2V1g0V1pxMjY2S3ZUVXZlcTZQMWNJRjIySi1ZOXVuRVJ0NFJZV0dSU1E4Y0tUdGZSYWNuQ25fOWc?oc=5" target="_blank">One month into Iran war, some Trump objectives are unfulfilled as he looks to wind down the conflict</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>
National SecurityExclusive: US deploys uncrewed drone boats in conflict with Iran - Reuters
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiswFBVV95cUxNYzJHYmtaaHA4R3BQVlB4eDNWU3JOQ1c0TFF4Uk4zcUlzYnhtNUFtdEpnVl9abEVWWXI3SzRUUkZ2UmJpb0NxMjZJZERNWW5LQ0s5eWptNzR2bnk5LVgzb1dwNTRwMTQtRkprOTZDcTlKYURjT1ctVVd6YnRNcEVFR016a0NDSmQyaW5YQ1hwaXFWSmFwSnIxbFdJTmd0QUdRN2RGZ3JtaGU1UjhKaW5TU1lIWQ?oc=5" target="_blank">Exclusive: US deploys uncrewed drone boats in conflict with Iran</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">Reuters</font>
GlobalBab al-Mandab strait: Iran’s Houthi allies enter the conflict, raising fears over key trade route
As Iran’s Houthi allies enter the conflict, Iran has threatened to disrupt shipping in the Bab al-Mandab Strait – a strategic waterway linking the Gulf of Aden to the Red Sea and the Suez Canal – with the help of its Houthi allies in Yemen. While disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz primarily affect Asia, blocking access to the Gulf of Aden could affect European energy supplies and imports from Asia.
National SecurityAt Pentagon Christian service, Hegseth prays for violence 'against those who deserve no mercy'
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has hosted a monthly Christian prayer and worship service at the Pentagon, the first since the Iran war began.
PoliticsHegseth prays at Pentagon service for ‘overwhelming violence’ against enemies
<p>Remarks come after defense secretary calls for changes to military’s chaplain corps, which had been ‘watered down’</p><p>The defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, prayed during a religious service at the Pentagon that there be “overwhelming violence of action against those who deserve no mercy”.</p><p>The Christian worship service, held on Wednesday before military and civilian workers at the Pentagon, was Hegseth’s first since the Iran war began, the Associated Press reported.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/mar/26/hegseth-prayer-violence-pentagon">Continue reading...</a>
PoliticsHegseth prays at service for violence against ‘those who deserve no mercy’
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth prayed at a Wednesday service in the Pentagon for violence against those “who deserve no mercy” and for god to “break the teeth of the ugodly.” Hegseth read a prayer that he said was first delivered by a chaplain to troops ahead of an operation to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro…
Trump posts video of massive bombing in Iran's Isfahan
President Trump posted a video of a strike in Iran's central city of Isfahan, which is the home to one of three nuclear facilities attacked by the U.S. military in June 2025. CBS News' Olivia Gazis and Elizabeth Palmer report.
Did this story change how you see things?
Stories like this only matter when people see them. Help us get verified journalism in front of more eyes.
The Verity Ledger curates verified investigative journalism from trusted sources only.
See our sourcesMost Read This Week
Senate deal reached to cap insulin costs
'The gravest crime against humanity': What does the UN vote on slavery mean?
Pentagon will remove media offices after judge reinstates NYT's press credentials
At Pentagon Christian service, Hegseth prays for violence 'against those who deserve no mercy'
After 16 years and $8 billion, the military's new GPS software still doesn't work
