A Clash Over a Promotion Puts Hegseth at Odds With His Generals

Suspicions about leaks and a mistrust of senior military officers have defined much of the defense secretary’s first six months on the job.

News
General Caine Faces a First Test Under Trump With Iran Strike Remarks

In remarks about Iran, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff was speaking to the American people, but also to an audience of one in the White House.

News
Hegseth and Caine Delve Into Details but Not Results of Iranian Strikes

Neither man repeated President Trump’s assertion that the strikes had “obliterated” the Iranian facilities.

News
How Trump Decided to Strike Iran

When Israel began its assault on Iran, President Trump kept his distance. But within days he was on a path that led to an extensive bombing mission aided by political and military ruses.

News
In Remarks on Iran, Hegseth Conveys Messages to Two Different Audiences

The U.S. defense secretary was in the difficult position of praising American military might while acknowledging people’s concerns about another conflict.

News
Pentagon Details Multipronged Attack on Iranian Nuclear Sites

B-2 stealth bombers, fighter aircraft and submarine-launched cruise missiles struck Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan during “Operation Midnight Hammer.”

News
McConnell Tells Hegseth U.S. Reputation Is at Stake in Ukraine War

A testy exchange between a senator who strongly supports Ukraine aid and the defense secretary revealed a deepening split among G.O.P. officials on the war.

News
New Joint Chiefs Chairman Picks a Friendly Crowd for His Debut

Gen. Dan Caine, who spoke at a special operations conference, has kept a low profile since assuming the military’s top job.

News
Joint Chiefs Chairman Visits Border as Military Presence Expands

Gen. Dan Caine’s first official trip underscored how the White House has prioritized the mission, which now involves nearly 7,000 active-duty troops.

News
Senate Confirms Dan Caine as Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff

Lt. Gen. Dan Caine will serve as the senior military adviser to President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

News