Secretary of War Pete Hegseth faced tough questioning Tuesday over President Donald Trump’s pivot from demanding Iran’s total capitulation to engaging in active peace negotiations. The exchange, which took place during a press briefing, centered on the shift in rhetoric that has defined the administration’s approach to the ongoing conflict over the last two months.
On March 6, President Trump publicly demanded an “unconditional surrender” from Tehran, asserting he would accept nothing less than total victory.
By early April, however, the White House began walking back that stance, moving instead toward a ceasefire and the review of diplomatic proposals.
Newsmax correspondent James Rosen pressed Hegseth on this transition, asking when exactly the President decided to “capitulate” on his initial pledge.
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Rosen noted that Trump had initially encouraged the Iranian people to reclaim their government once the conflict ended.
“Then on the seventh day of the conflict… the president said, ‘there will be no deal with Iran except unconditional surrender,’” Rosen said. “What happens to that pledge to the Iranians? And when did the President decide to capitulate on his demand for unconditional surrender?”
Hegseth dismissed the characterization of the shift as a surrender of leverage.
“The President hasn’t capitulated on anything. He holds the cards,” Hegseth replied. He argued that the administration’s “Project Freedom” initiative has strengthened the U.S. position. “He will ensure that whatever deal is made… creates ensuring that Iran never has a nuclear weapon, which is a number one… And what the Iranian people take advantage of after the fact is up to them.”
The diplomatic shift follows a volatile month. While Trump previously suggested the U.S. would assist in rebuilding Iran only after a change in leadership, the administration is now working within the framework of a two-week ceasefire that began on April 8.
READ: Trump Challenges South Korea To Join “Project Freedom” After Iran Targets Cargo Ship
The stability of that ceasefire remains in question. Since the agreement took effect, Iranian forces have launched several attacks against U.S. assets.
American forces have been forced to intercept drones and missiles, and have destroyed several attack boats in the region. Despite these skirmishes, Hegseth maintained to reporters that the ceasefire is officially still in place.
President Trump confirmed he is currently reviewing a 14-point peace proposal submitted by Iran. The proposal aims to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global artery for oil exports that has been severely impacted by the hostilities.
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